Greenpeace installs solar panels, charging stations in Bohol islands
ENVIRONMENTAL group Greenpeace installed solar panels and charging stations in the Bilangbilangan and Batasan islands in Bohol amid the continuing lack of power supply, it said on Thursday.
The province of Bohol in Central Visayas, which was one of the hardest hit areas by Super Typhoon Rai, locally known as Odette, in 2021, suffered over P41.6 billion in damage to infrastructure and other critical sectors. Up to this day, power supply is still limited.
The Philippines remains as one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, as its risk score inched up to 46.91 this year from 46.86 last year, according to the World Risk Index. A score of 100 means a country has a “very high risk” while zero suggests otherwise.
According to Greenpeace, the charging stations have a capacity of 2.8 kilowatts. It is designed to strengthen disaster response, and power key equipment such as communication devices, computers, lights, water pumps, water filtration and refrigeration for food and medicine.
Likewise, the panels will supplement the village halls’ existing energy capacity and provide nearby schools with energy for fans and media equipment.
The newly installed panels and charging stations would also help lessen residents’ dependence on fossil fuels.
“As one of the most vulnerable nations to the climate crisis, the Philippines must look at all areas of climate action,” said Greenpeace Campaigner Khevin Yu said in a statement.
“The country’s Climate Justice Agenda must not only seek fossil fuel accountability and payment for losses and damages, it must also work to support a global fossil fuel phase out, and back up our convictions through a just energy transition at the national level.” — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
