Lights shine in Tacloban

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) has lauded the efforts of Tacloban City in pioneering among local governments the adoption of energy efficient lighting infrastructure.

This was financed by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) under its Green Financing Program (GFP) through a two-step loan scheme with Jica called the Environmental Development Project (EDP).

The said assistance formed part of the P11-billion loan extended by Jica to DBP for financing EDP initiatives. Since 2008, Jica has financed around 74 projects under the EDP.

“Tacloban City’s LED street lighting project realizes DBP’s goal of steering (local government) actions and resources towards growth that is inclusive yet conscientious. We want more opportunities like this to pursue activities that reduce carbon footprint in support of the Philippines’ Nationally Determined Contributions, as well as those that enhance our capacity to cope with climate related risk,” DBP chief development officer Benel D. Lagua said.

Tacloban is one of the first local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines to have LED-retrofitted streetlights, according to local energy solutions firm Luminance Inc. With the project, the Tacloban LGU is able to save about P1.8 million in electricity costs every month.

Jica said the local government’s initiative to install 3,600 LED lights in partnership with the DBP and Luminance Inc. was worth emulating by to help promote environment sustainability.

According to Luminance, LED lights consume only 30 to 120 watts greater lumen output versus ordinary sodium lamps normally used in Philippine streets that consume about 400 to 500 watts.

LED lights also do not contain toxic materials like hazardous mercury and halogen gases nor emit ultraviolet rays, infrared radiation, or any electromagnetic interference that could be harmful to the community.