Solarization of schools pushed anew

Youth advocates once against prodded President Ferdinand "Bonbong" R. Marcos Jr. to push for the solatization of schools.

The Stewards and Volunteers for the Earth Philippines (SAVE Ph) on 22 December ed on the Marcos administration to adhere to its claims as “proactive advocates for heightened climate responsibility” by releasing a transparent breakdown of the allocation of funds for the solarization of schools.

SAVE Ph national spokesperson Angela Cabrera expressed concerns that the 2025 national budget may be less than honest.

“While we appreciate the endeavor to strengthen the climate resilience of schools, we also need a surefire guarantee for the transition to renewable energy in the education sector,” Cabrera said.

The final version of the proposed budget, approved by Congress last 11 December includes a special provision of P1.295 billion for electricity in basic education facilities, including—but not necessarily—the “purchase and installation of solar power systems.”

Cabrera noted that no similar provision is made for higher education institutions.

“When students graduate high school, they may be exposed to a more vulnerable environment, all because it has been decided that SUCs will catch up to the same standards at a later time,” she added.

“Delayed promises neither saves time, nor the planet.”

In his State of the Nation Address delivered in June earlier this year, Marcos announced that “solar-powered electricity must now be standard features in our schools and our classrooms,” but failed to elaborate on how that plan is to be executed.

The Philippines ranked as the third most vulnerable country to the risks of climate change, according to ReliefWeb’s WorldRiskIndex for 2024.

Within the year, schools across the country have been exposed to extreme heat conditions, reaching as high as 55°C, destructive typhoons, and subsequent floods and landslides.