FIRST, kudos to my ‘compadre,’ Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon, for his effort in pushing projects under the Public-Private Partnership without spending any single centavo from the government coffers.
Just days ago, the Cavite State University (CvSU) entered into a ₱2-billion solarization agreement with Philko Corporation to install solar power systems in 13 campuses across the province.
The contract, signed by CvSU President Dr. Agnes Nuestro, stems from a project initiated and consolidated by the anti-poverty presidential adviser.
Under the project, CvSU will lower its electricity-related operating costs, earn revenue from excess power sold to the national grid, and receive a share of carbon credit income.
The added baseload capacity will also help strengthen the power supply in host communities, supporting local economic growth and job creation, while contributing to the Philippines’ target of a 35percent green energy mix in line with the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol goals for 2030.
The CvSU initiative forms part of a broader solarization program being pushed by the good secretary which also covers Department of Health hospitals.
In 2024, six State universities and colleges were successfully installed with solar power systems with a total investment of ₱950-million, commissioned and switched on under Secretary Gadon’s leadership, also on a no-government-funds PPP basis.
The CvSU–Philko 18 agreement reinforces the role of renewable energy–based PPPs in delivering fiscal savings, advancing climate commitments, and supporting long-term, inclusive development.
‘Yakap’ rolled out in Navotas schools
Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco led the launching of PhilHelth’s “Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) para sa mga Mag-aaral” at the Kapitbahayan Elementary School.
As of last month, 91percent of Navotas’ 250,000 residents have enrolled in YAKAP, the highest rate in Metro Manila, according to PhilHealth.
The program rollout in public schools covers 44,301 learners from elementary to senior high school.
“This reflects the dedication of our health workers, who actively promote YAKAP to ensure Navoteños enroll in the program and prioritize preventive healthcare for themselves and their families,” Tiangco said.
