Tuguegarao City − Another milestone transpired in the history of the University of Saint Louis (USL) as it inaugurated its Photovoltaic (PV) or Solar Power System on Feb. 13, 2018 at the Saint Lorenzo Building Open Garden.

Dr. Delailah B. Valencia, University president, formally announced to the Louisian community that the University is solar-powered which can help in the reduction of fossil and coal power consumption from Cagayan Electric Cooperative (CAGELCO) and contribute to the conservation of Mother Earth.

According to President Valencia, the USL PV System can generate 192 kilowatts per hour or about 28 percent of electricity requirement of the University during daytime. She also told that

the generated power is an equivalent of planting 40.72 hectares of forest and a reduction of carbon emission by 165 metric tons.

In her speech, President Valencia convinced every Louisian to support all efforts of the University to help save the environment, warning all Louisians of the catastrophic effects the next generations by 2070 will inherit from the present generation’s abuse to Mother Earth.

“In our own little way in USL, aside from these facilities that we provide to help the environment, we deliberately and regularly do the following in school, in our homes and everywhere. First, save electricity by putting off lights and electric fans when not in use. Second, ensure water will not be overflowing unnecessarily in our faucets and water closets. Third, dispose of our wastes and litters properly and observe waste segregation. Lastly, plant trees and green areas whenever possible,” President Valencia appealed to the audience composed of the USL administration, faculty, non-teaching staff, students, and guests.

The use of solar power is a commitment of USL to the CICM advocacy on environmental protection and as part of USL’s Environment Sustainability Program (ESP), Dr. Valencia emphasized.

“The sustainability of our environment is our obligation. As we launch our PV system today, we are also launching USL’s Environment Sustainability Program that will include the revitalized KKP or Kaibigan ng Kalikasan Program and other activities to preserve Mother Earth,” President Valencia ended.

After the inauguration of the solar power system, Rev. Fr. Rex C. Salvilla, CICM, University CICM Liaison Officer, blessed the solar panels and inverters at the Saint Lorenzo Ruiz and Clement Daelman Buildings, respectively. Other University administrators, faculty, staff, and Mr. Quintin Pastrana, representative from Winergy Solar Solutions, graced the event.

Mr. Pastrana(seated, center right) with Dr. Valencia (seated, center left) and other
University administrators and technical staff showing off the
Certificate of Compliance from the Energy Regulatory Commission