Gilutongan school gets P3M worth solar panels

STUDENTS of Gilutongan Elementary School in Gilutongan Island, Cordova can now utilize their computers, electric fan, television and other educational supplies after 18 solar panels were installed in the school.

School principal Marites Padayao said that before the installation of the solar panels, they could only use the computers two to four hours a day.

Previously, the school had six solar panels that were borrowed from Liki Elementary School but these only had a maximum stored energy  of 2 hours.

The 18 solar panels were donated by Cristina Osmeña, the daughter of Sen. Serge Osmeña, whose husband is  the vice president of SunEdison, a company that produces solar panels.

Gilutongan Elementary School was picked as the recipient-school upon the suggestion of then Cebu City mayor and congressman Tomas Osmeña after his niece informed him that she is looking for a beneficiary of her project.

Osmeña first visited the place in August 2014 for an ocular inspection. She also held storytelling with the kids.

The 18 solar panels are equivalent to 5,230 watts and cost P3 million and can last up to  24 hours.

Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival who installed the solar panels said it is also environment-friendly because these do not have gas emissions.

Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, in his speech, reminded everyone to preserve and protect the solar panels.

He said that there will be an inspection twice a month to check the recharging of the batteries.

Vice Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy–Cho also suggested to have barangay tanods guard the panels.

Sitoy said the whole island is still dependent on gasoline-powered generators for their energy needs.