What used to be a dark stretch of the Batangas-Tabangao-Lobo road is now lit up at night, thanks to the installation of solar-powered streetlights by Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) under the Save, Invest and Nurture Access to Green Energy and Technology (SINAG) project of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI).
PSPC Tabangao External Relations Manager Darlito Guamos said that Shell, through PSFI’s SINAG project, has found an innovative way to use green energy in promoting road safety among partner communities like San Isidro.
“Shell is not only serious about road safety but also about powering progress using cleaner energy solutions. In Tabangao, for example, we’ve set up a solar farm at the terminal, which produces enough electricity to power operational and residential needs inside the compound,” he added.
Andres Malibiran, who heads Barangay San Isidro where the streetlights are installed, thanked Shell and PSFI, saying “Tiyak na magiging ligtas at maliwanag na aming kapaligiran (we are assured of light and safety in our surroundings).”
Malibiran spoke during the Ceremonial Switch-On of Solar-powered Streetlights, which was held by Shell and PSFI last January 29.
The simple ceremony was lead by Guamos and PSPC Terminal Manager Anna Estandarte, together with Engr. Ronaldo Frago of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Batangas Second District Engineering Office, Batangas City police station commander Police Lt. Col. Gerry Laylo, and members of the San Isidro Barangay Council.
Laylo said that it will be easier to maintain peace and order in the barangay at night, not that the road is lit. The stretch of road where Shell’s 16 solar-powered lights are installed sees heavy traffic from trucks and lorries serving big industries along the Tabangao and Lobo coastline as well as private and public transport ferrying workers to these sites and residents located within the vicinity.
PSFI Program Officer Olive Sorio said that the provision of solar-powered streetlights manifests Shell’s commitment to safety, especially since its lorry trucks traverse the dark stretch at night. “Isa ito sa mga solusyon na naisip na ipatupad kung saan marami ang makikinabang (This is a solution that promotes safety at work which also benefits the community),” she said.
Community volunteers underwent training last December on the monitoring and maintenance of the streetlights.
The lighting up of San Isidro’s main road is a long-time wish that is finally fulfilled, said Malibiran. “Ang kaunlaran ng pamayanan ay nakasalalay sa pagtutulungan ng barangay, pamahalaan at ng pribadong sector (A community’s progress rests on an effective partnership between government, starting with the barangay, and the private sector),” he added.