Many Filipinos have taken to social media to vent their frustration on the cost and quality of electricity in the Philippines, and call on Congress to approve House Bill 8179 with the rallying cry #MurangKuryenteNow.
The bill grants a non-exclusive right to give Filipinos a cheaper, cleaner, more reliable alternative to existing electric utilities, at zero cost to government, to Solar Para Sa Bayan, a social enterprise that has constructed the country’s first unsubsidized Minigrids in Mindoro, Palawan, Masbate, Cagayan, Aurora, and seeks to expand to other provinces that want better electricity.
The bill has been opposed by power companies, which claim it encroaches on their exclusive franchises, but has seen no shortage of support on social media. Social media posts in the past days alone have reached over 10 million Filipinos, generating over 1 million comments, likes, and shares, with many tagging their local congressmen to appeal for their support.
For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/SolarPSB/.
Lendrin Mendoza: “Sawang Sawa na ang mga mamamayang Pilipino sa putol putol, mahal at di magandang serbisyo kadalasan ng mga power company sa bansa. Ito na ang simula ng pagbabago para sa ating lahat. #ISupportSolarParaSaBayan”
Ateet Soliven Baclig: “We are lifting our hands to reach for the SOLAR POWER! Our town have power interruptions 2x a week from 8 am to 6 pm. This became a regular routine and my townmates are longing for a solution. YES FOR SOLAR POWER! Now na! => GONZAGA, Cagayan”
Jevie Dellona Lademora: “”#SOLAR NG BAYAN…Molino Bacoor City This is definitely the choice we need for a cleaner and cheaper source of electricity….. Sana naman mga congresista magkaroon kayo ng puso at kunsensya…ipasa nyo na yang HB8179….maawa naman kayo…sagot ito sa lahat ng inflation…etc man lang makabawas sana…wag naan pansariling interest lng”
Bernales Maryanne: “SA ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ….. Araw araw brown OUT!!!!!!! Nakaw ng kuryente….. hala sigi brown OUT palagi!!!!”
Mildred Campomanes Gavino: “#support solar power especially here in south cotabato na halos buwan buwan nag increase bayarin namin sa kuryente Ito po sana ay Bigyang pansin ng congress #supportsolarpower”
Leo Vicenta: “Para sa mua kinatawan ng mag wat lugar sa kongreso tao ang mga bumoto sa inyo kya tulungan nyo din ang mga nsskupan ninyo para sa karapatang makapili ng alternatibong pagkukunan ng kuryente. Ako ay sumusuporta sa Solar Para sa Bayan. Marilao, Bulacan”
JusTine DF: “Minsan pa eh magtitiis magpaypay magdamag lalo na pag summer. Nakakaligtaan ang Ang probinsyano tuwing gabi ang masala pa eh Nagbrownout ng TV Patrol tapos pag makakakuryente ulit ay tapos na ang Ang Probinsyano .”
Albert Andrew Corvera: “Father God we lift up to you the Solar project for the Philippines in Jesus name we pray. Amen”
Bambi Cabato Pacis: “We need this in Socksargen area where brownouts still occur. The government should not stop finding ways of providing the people with cheaper source of electricity.”
Okhadha Di Guerilla: “GO TO SOLAR. Isa yan sa magiging sabot para hindi natin ma feel ang inflation ng mag goods.”
Willard Hernandez: “Go solar para mawalan ng makurakot mga officials ng electric coop”
Edgardo Bautista: “Only a strong willed leaders can do that, if will only resist lobby from powerful and greedy businessmen, we can do it.”