ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The city government is set to open the first solar powered, fully air-conditioned public school in Central Luzon on 6 March.

According to Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., the city government has funded the Belen Homesite Elementary School in Barangay Sto. Cristo as the first solar powered public school in Angeles City, citing that this is the first in the region.

“This clearly shows that this clean energy program is doable — we can protect the environment by doing away with costly electricity that uses fossil fuel,” Lazatin said.

The Belen Homesite Elementary School will be the first solar powered public school in the region that will produce 32-kilowatt power. It has 54 solar power panels that power seven fully air-conditioned classrooms. Each classroom has a two horsepower air conditioning units, and one television set.

“This is also a testament na kayang-kaya nating maiayos ang kalagayan ng mga public schools, with a helping hand from different agencies,” he added.

Some P3 million had been infused to renovate the classrooms with new paint, tiles and fixtures.

The planning and implementation of this project was carefully done by Lazatin’s Chief Adviser and Tactician IC Calaguas, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, City Engineer’s Office led by Helen Ayro, and General Services Office led by Evangeline Malonzo.

Apart from the public schools, Mayor Lazatin’s administration has started to install solar panels in all city government offices, including Angeles City Hall, 33 barangays halls, and rural health units and all offsite offices.

Lazatin’s administration also completed the installation of 1,500 solar lights in all major and secondary roads in the city.

He said the use of renewable energy will pave way for the prudent use of electricity allowing the city government to save P100 million in electricity expenses per year.

“We have to tap renewable energy that is most cost-effective and cost-efficient,” Lazatin said.