Sitero Francisco High School Joining US based Solar Schools
Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School has plans to harness the energy of solar power. The school has received a 1KW photo-voltaic solar array donated by Wanxiang America Corporation and the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) headed by Mr. Glen Kizer. The solar initiative is one of the flagship projects of Mr. Cesar C. Villareal, SFMNHS Principal. Mr. Jameson H. Tan, SFMNHS Science Department Head, was designated to communicate with a potential donor. Mr. Bill Manz, a former US Peace Corps Volunteer, was requested by Mr. Kizer to validate the request of the school. In the later part of 2007, Mr. Manz conducted an ocular visit to the school.
SFMNHS would be the first school in the National Capital Region to use solar panels for energy and the first school in the country to have a hybrid energy set up ( solar energy with on-grid energy set up). The ceremonial switch on of the solar project is scheduled to be held on June 1, 2010. Hon. Sherwin Gatchalian (City Mayor of Valenzuela ) will lead the ceremonial switch on and unveiling of the commemorative marker. He will be assisted by Dr. Flordeliza R. Mayari (Schools Division Superintendent) and several other city government and education officials. The 1KW solar project will be used for the lighting needs in nine classrooms.
Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School
Once operational, the solar project will help students become more aware of their energy needs, the science behind it and other energy issues. As part of the project, the school will also install a web-based solar monitoring station that can be used by school staff, science teachers, and students to monitor the energy production in real-time. The data can be utilized for science lessons about energy and electricity, and possibly even competitions between schools on energy production.
The solar panel was shipped in October, 2009 from Illinois, USA by Mr. Daniel Li of Wanxiang America Corporation. It arrived at the Port of Manila last Nov. 14. Mr. Crisostomo Mayari, proprietor of CD Mayari Customs Brokerage facilitated, free of charge, the preparation of certain documents and transactions for the release of the cargo. The duty tax of the cargo, as well as the installation of the solar project, was funded by the City Government of Valenzuela through Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian.
A picture of the installation will be posted on SolarSchools.org after the ribbon cutting.