DOST-MIMAROPA has considered use of renewable energy in ensuring electricity access as crucial component of disaster preparation and mitigation. Units of Solar Energy System (SES) technology was installed in evacuation and isolation areas in two municipalities in Occidental Mindoro— Calintaan and Rizal to provide better comfort and safety for families displaced in community institutions during disasters.
Time and again, it has been proven that in the wake of disasters, responders are struggling due to toppled power lines and power interruptions at a time when the delivery of reliable and stable electricity service is needed most. Individuals and families who sought shelter and assistance suffer from increased hardships without basic services such as proper light and ventilation and means to communicate with other people in affected areas.
“Our emergency response teams cannot immediately provide rescue during these times”, laments Mayor Sonny Pablo of the Local Government of Rizal. “Most of the power lines are cut. Although communications can be through cellphones, some people’s phone cannot sustain a long battery life, and because we have lost our electricity, we resort on using a two-way radio for communication to check for status updates with the barangay officials.”
Likewise, former Calintaan Mayor Eric Labrador added that communities are becoming more isolated during disasters as responders are having a hard time reaching those who need help and those who need help cannot reach the local government. The use of two-radio helps the LGU to connect with community leaders while telecommunication signals are out
To minimize impact of such situations, DOST-MIMAROPA provided the municipality of Calintaan and Rizal a 3 kilowatt off-grid SES technology. The SES can generate carbon-emission free electricity powered by the sun while electricity from the grid is yet to be restored. The backup power from the SES can be used to lights, electric fans, radio, and charge mobile devices easing the discomfort felt by affected communities.
The SES is now used for immediate response particularly when typhoons hit the province since 2018 to present. Communication between residents, community leaders, and officials are maintained before and during disasters, ensuring that any negative effect does not worsen, and prompt response are given.
In 2020, when Typhoon Rolly hit portions of Occidental Mindoro, families from the municipality of Rizal were housed in evacuation centers due to threat of tsunami and storm surge in coastal areas. Rizal Evacuation Center of the LGU which was powered with the SES aided more than five (5) families and 26 individuals.
The SES also served its purpose during the pandemic wherein evacuation centers also served as isolation facilities. The SES provided lighting and ventilation to almost 180 families or 900 individuals affected individuals with COVID-19.
“Masaya po kami dahil kahit walang bagyo o kalamidad ang SES project ay malaking tulong din sa amin tuwing nagkakaron ng malawakang Power Interuption sa aming lugar.“ Mr. Joven N. Gequiñana of MDRRMO of Calintaan exclaimed.
Aside from alleviating burden during disasters, the solar energy system also aids on the perennial dilemma of recurring power interruptions in Calintaan and Rizal, leaving the municipalities oftentimes without power supply for days.
Representatives from the two LGUs also received a Training on Operation and Maintenance from DOST-MIMAROPA to give them a thorough understanding of the technology and its operation and prevention of system failure.
