Solar panel gives stable power supply in Romblon rural health units

Manila: Rural health units (RHU) in the province of Romblon are now powered by solar energy, through solar panels donated by the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union (EU), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In a statement Monday, the US Embassy in Manila said the donors have installed three solar panels in RHUs in Romblon last Sept. 11 to ensure uninterruptible power supply in providing health care services in the province. WHO Philippines technical officer engineer Bonifacio Magtibay, Magdiwang Mayor Arthur Tansiongco, San Fernando Vice Mayor Domingo Marin, Romblon Provincial health officer Winston Palasi, and Cajidiocan Municipal health officer Patricia Denise Ancheta were present during the turnover ceremony. The donation is part of the partnership among WHO, EU, and USAID to enhance the capacity of the country in preventing, detecting, and responding to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. The RHUs where the solar panels were installed receive 4 80 patients per month. 'A reliable electricity supply is not just a convenience -it is essential for health security. It's about ensuring that vital services remain uninterrupted, especially in times of crisis,' USAID Philippines health office director Andrea Halverson said. Due to the lack of energy infrastructure in the Mimaropa Region, Romblon frequently experiences power outages. The US Embassy added the access to reliable power supply will ensure the safe storage of vaccines and other life-saving medicines, safer childbirth at night and during disasters, powered and better sterilized medical equipment, availability of hot water, and less risk of damage to medical devices. 'With our support and commitment of the local government units, the operation, expansion, and maintenance of these facilities are now in good hands,' WHO Representative to the Philippines Rui Paulo de Jesus added. Source: Philippines News agency