Pilipinas Shell lights up dark Batangas road

Pilipinas Shell lit up the paths—literally and figuratively—with the installation of solar-powered lights at the then-dark stretch of Batangas-Tabangao-Lobo road.

A total of 16 solar-powered lights have been put up under the Save, Invest and Nurture Access to Green Energy and Technology (SINAG) project of the Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. (PSFI).

Aside from the residents of the barangay, the illumination will also aid heavy traffic from trucks and lorries serving big industries along the Tabangao and Lobo coastline, together with the private and public transport ferrying workers within the vicinity.

During the ceremonial switch-on of the solar-powered streetlights last January 29, San Isidro Barangay Chairman Andres Malibiran expressed gratitude over the fitting of the streetlights. “Tiyak na magiging ligtas at maliwanag na aming kapaligiran (we are assured of light and safety in our surroundings),” he said, noting that it has been a long-time wish that was fulfilled.

“Ang kaunlaran ng pamayanan ay nakasalalay sa pagtutulungan ng barangay, pamahalaan at ng pribadong sector (A community’s progress rests on an effective partnership between government, starting with the barangay, and the private sector),” he added.

For their part, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) Tabangao External Relations Manager Darlito Guamos highlighted that Shell, through PSFI’s SINAG project, found an innovative way to use green energy in promoting road safety among partner communities like San Isidro.

“Shell is not only serious about road safety, but also about powering progress using cleaner energy solutions. In Tabangao, for example, we’ve set up a solar farm at the terminal, which produces enough electricity to power operational and residential needs inside the compound,” Guamos was quoted as saying.

He and PSPC Terminal Manager Anna Estandarte joined the ceremony, as well as Department of Public Works and Highways’ Batangas Second District Engineering Office Engr. Ronaldo Frago, Batangas City police station commander Police Lt. Col. Gerry Laylo and members of the San Isidro barangay council.

Meanwhile, Laylo claimed that their force stationed at the San Isidro outpost will find it easier to maintain peace and order in the barangay at night.

Further, PSFI Program Officer Olive Sorio said that newest project exhibits Shell’s commitment to safety, especially since its lorry trucks traverse the dark stretch at night. “Isa ito sa mga solusyon na naisip na ipatupad kung saan marami ang makikinabang (This is a solution that promotes safety at work which also benefits the community),” she said.

For better maintenance and monitoring of the streetlight, community volunteers underwent training last December.

Photos from Pilipinas Shell

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