Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

20% Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3496

Introduced by: REP. ROSALIE “MOMMY ROSE” ANG SALVAME

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Street lights play a crucial role in enhancing public safety, contributing
significantly to the well-being and security of communities around the nation. Well-
lit streets and public spaces are known to deter criminal activities, as they increase the
likelihood of offenders being seen and identified. Studies have consistently shown
that areas with adequate lighting experience lower rates of crime compared to poorly
lit areas.

Road safety is another area where street lights make a significant impact. Poor
lighting conditions contribute to accidents by reducing visibility for drivers, cyclists,
and pedestrians. Street lights improve visibility on roadways and pedestrian paths.
This visibility is crucial for preventing accidents.

Traditional street lights however entail the use of electricity sourced from the
power grid of electric utility providers. This means that a huge amount of carbon
emission is present to power up all streetlights in the country, and that carbon
emission drastically contribute to global warming.

In the tourism industry, providing an exceptional experience for visitors is
crucial. Solar lighting solutions offer tourist attractions sustainable and cost-effective
way to enhance the tourist experience while promoting environmental
responsibility.

Solar-powered lighting is a versatile solution that can be used for both
functional and aesthetic purposes, improving safety, ambiance, and energy efficiency
and would help to showcase the unique local culture of each city and municipality
and to improve tourism and transform these cities and municipalities into brighter
and more vibrant communities.

The application of solar street lighting has been on the rise, driven by advances
in renewable energy technology and a growing awareness of environmental
sustainability. Moreover, in the event of emergencies or natural disasters, solar street
lights can be invaluable.


Traditional power grids may be compromised during such events, leaving
areas in darkness and hampering rescue and recovery efforts. Solar street lights, with
their independent power sources, can continue to operate even when the grid is down,
providing essential lighting for emergency responders and aiding in the efficient
execution of rescue operations. This resilience makes solar street lights a key asset in
disaster-prone areas, contributing to quicker response times and potentially saving
lives.

Solar street lights offer a number of advantages, including cost-effectiveness,
reliability, and case of installation. However, they also have some disadvantages, such
as being weather dependent, having limited brightness, and requiring some
maintenance. Despite these drawbacks, solar street lights continue to be a popular
choice for many communities and businesses, as they provide a clean, sustainable, and
cost-effective alternative to traditional street lighting.

This proposed measure seeks to mandate the use of renewable energy in
illuminating all the streets and highways in Palawan, through the installation of
decorative solar street lights in lieu of traditional electric powered street lights.

REP. ISALIE SIO DFE SALVAME

resentative, 1" District of Palawan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
QUEZON CITY

20th Congress
First Regular Session

House Bill No3456

Introduced by: REP. ROSALIE “MOMMY ROSE” ANG SALVAME

AN ACT MANDATING THE INSTALLATION AND USE OF DECORATIVE
SOLAR STREETLIGHTS IN THE PROVINCE OF PALAWAN, PROVIDING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Decorative Solar
Street Lights Act of 2025."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State

a) Accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy
resources such as, but not limited to, biomass, solar, wind, hydro,
geothermal, and ocean energy sources, including hybrid systems, to
achieve energy self- reliance to reduce the country's dependence on
fossil fuels and thereby minimize the country's exposure to price
fluctuations which affects the economy;

b) All citizens of the State shall benefit from the renewable energy
program of the government.

SECTION 3. Scope - All national, provincial, municipal, city, and barangay
roads and streets in the Province of Palawan shall use decorative solar street lights to
illuminate the night through which its citizens traverse and offer tourist attractions a
sustainable and cost-effective way to enhance the tourist experience and to showcase
the unique local culture of each city and municipality and to improve tourism and
transform these cities and municipalities into brighter and more vibrant communities.


SECTION 4. Role of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) ~The DOST
shall coordinate with other departments of the government and thereafter conduct a
study as to how many solar street lights will be needed to be installed in the entire
country. It shall provide the necessary information or specifications as to how much
wattage, battery capacity, number of solar panels needed, and distance between each
solar street light to standardize the same and ensure light is delivered on certain type
and width of road or street.

The DOST shall likewise provide a priority list of barangays, municipalities,
cities, and provinces that will benefit from the provisions of this Act. The list shall be
based reasonable criterion taking into consideration the urgency of providing
adequate street light supply and the population of the place.

SECTION 5. Role of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)—The
DPWH shall carry out the programming, planning, construction and maintenance of
the solar street lights in every provincial, municipal, city, and barangay roads in
Palawan covered by this Act.

SECTION 6. Sourcing - In the purchase of solar street lights for installation and
use, local businesses shall be given priority in supplying the government. A higher
priority shall be given to local manufacturers of solar street lights.

SECTION 7. Appropriation - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Public Works and Highways, in
consultation with the DOST, shall promulgate the necessary implementing rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause -If any provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause - All other laws, decrees, executive orders,
issuances, rules and regulations, or part thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby
likewise repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity Clause — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
following the completion of its publication in the Official, Gazette or in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,