Dedication Ceremony for the Republic of the Philippines
Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School, Division of City Schools – Valenzuela and the City Government of Valenzuela today unveiled the school’s new solar array. The installation is the first solar photovoltaic (PV) solar system to power a school in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines
US based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) headed by Mr. Glen Kizer through Mr. Danel Li of Wanxiang America Corporation donated the solar panel system to the school. The solar array will help educate students about the benefits of solar energy through a monitoring website, while also providing environmental benefits. Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School (SFMNHS) is located inside Sta. Monica Subdivision in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City.
Hon. Rexlon T. Gatchalian, Congressman of the First District of Valenzuela ; Hon. Magtanggol T. Gunigundo I, Congressman of the Second District of Valenzuela; Hon. Shalani Soledad, Councilor of Valenzuela City and girlfriend of the newly elected President of the Republic of the Philippines – Hon Benigno Aquino III; Mr. William Manz, a former US Peace Corps who represents FEE on the exploratory talks between FEE and SFMNHS; Dr. Luzviminda Ona, Regional Supervisor of the Department of Education Regional Office; Dr. Flordeliza R. Mayari, Superintendent of the Division of City Schools of Valenzuela; Dr. Andres M. Leabres, Superintendent of the Division of City School of Malabon; barangay (village) officials; representatives from private sector, principals of various schools in Valenzuela City; teachers, parents, students and members of the community; and two television networks participated in today’s event to officially “flip the ceremonial switch” of the solar array.
The Solar Project of Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School is 1 kilowatt (kW) and is mounted as a shed type located near the school stage. It is expected to produce about 2,190 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year by converting sunlight into electricity. The solar array consists of 6 solar panels and covers about 50 square feet of roof space. These panels will offset approximately 3,000 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year, the annual equivalent of planting 215 trees or not driving 4,000 miles.
Sitero Francisco Memorial National High School is proud to partner with the Foundation for Environmental Education to help educate students about solar energy and help the environment from the threat of global warming. The school hopes it will mold an impression on the minds of students and their families and engage them in a collective effort aimed at the well-being of our community and country. The solar array is a giant step in the school’s environmental efforts to go green and efforts to provide leadership in Valenzuela City toward an eco-educated citizenry. It also promotes the SFMNHS practice of actually applying what students’ learn into everyday action.
The solar panels were installed by Laguna-based FFG Solarpower. The duty tax of the cargo and the more than Php 250,000 installation cost of the solar panels by professionals from FFG Solar Power, Inc. were shouldered by the City Government of Valenzuela.
“The City Government supports projects like this. I share Mr. Villareal and Mr. Tan’s vision. I hope to be able to tap renewable energy, such as the solar power, in local government buildings someday.”, Valenzuela City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian said in a statement.
Plaques of appreciation were also presented to Mr. Glen Kizer, Mr. Daniel Li, Mr. William Manz and several other individuals who have been instrumental in the success of the project. Mr. Manz was requested to receive the awards for Mr. Kizer and Mr. Li.
