In Mindanao, establishments make the journey to solar energy

Solar power in the region pushes for lower electricity expenses and emissions

- By MAT T. RICHTER

It took us ages to recognize the star of the show. Never was it the dirty emissions that have irreversibly jeopardized the planet. It's the sun, awaiting the stardom that humanity should have long acknowledged. In a region in the Philippines, establishments allow the sun to "steal the show" across their operations.

Solar panels here provide power for properties day and night. Today, they reap the rewards of their trust in this star to do its job: providing environmental and financial sustainability amid climate warming and economic uncertainty. The pen checks two boxes with one stroke. Look to Mindanao, where five establishments agree that “it simply makes sense” to harness the sun’s power for electricity generation.

Here's a closer look at their journey to solar energy.

Demetrio's

Imagine eating pizza “powered by the sun.” No emissions. No fuss. Perhaps a more sustainable way to dine in or dig in.

Nearing two years after installing the panels, the pizza place pushes for solar to save cash and help our shared home.

“The main goal is to be sustainable,” said Demetrio’s owner Daniel Mejia, stating that solar allows the shop’s temperatures to remain crisp-cold for buyers.

“It ensures na hindi ako magtitipid sa aircon sa customers ko (It ensures that I won’t cut back on air conditioning for my customers),” he added.

They will open a new branch downtown, Mejia said, and part of their standard will be to explore the possibilities of using solar as standard.