SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Second Regular Session ) 18 MAY 15 (P4312

SENATE RECE: vii:
S.B. No, 1804

Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA

AN ACT
MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF 200 WATTS SOLAR PANELS IN PUBLIC
SCHOOL BUILDINGS WHERE ELECTRICITY IS NOT AVAILABLE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Several studies have shown how the quality of light in the classroom can enhance
the academic performance of children. Unfortunately, there are still public schools in
the remote areas of the country that are without electricity. According to the National
Electrification Administration (NEA), there are still 14,000 sitios without electricity to
date. Further, 2015 data reported that more than 7,000 public schools still do not have
adequate electricity supply.

In short, we have public school students who—up to this day—still do not enjoy
the convenience and benefits of electricity, including well-lit classrooms and the use of
computers as tools for learning. This puts them in a clear disadvantage compared to
other students living in electrified areas.

This measure aims to address this gap and make available to public schools solar
panels that will energize classrooms and hence promote better learning among our
schoolchildren. Such initiative will complement the NEA’s ongoing electrification
program which will eventually include all public classrooms around the country. The
‘end goal is for solar power to become either a primary or alternative power source for
all of the country’s public classrooms.

In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

LP

SONNY ANGARA



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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) .
Second Regular Session ) 18 HAY 15 nS/

SENATE
$.B.No. 1804

Introduced by Senator SONNY ANGARA

AN ACT
MANDATING THE INSTALLATION OF 200 WATTS SOLAR PANELS IN PUBLIC
SCHOOL BUILDINGS WHERE ELECTRICITY IS NOT AVAILABLE

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — \t shall be the policy of the state to improve
the quality of education in all areas nationwide. When electricity is not available,
support technology for a quality education could not be delivered. The installation of
200 watts solar panels in selected classrooms or facilities will ensure that all schools
nationwide will have power to energize basic teaching tools such as lighting,
computers, printers and other laboratory equipment enabling them to deliver the same
degree of quality teaching as other schools to improve the quality of education.

SEC. 2. Installation of Solar Panels. — The Department of Education is hereby
mandated to ensure that all public elementary and high school buildings nationwide
which cannot be connected to the grid shall be installed with solar panels with a
capacity of at least 200 watts.

The solar panels that will be installed to the school buildings shall include system
components which include but not limited to charge controllers, inverters and batteries
for it generate at least 200 watts of alternating current (AC) at a standard voltage of
220 volts.



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SEC. 3. Cooperation. - The Department of Education (DepEd) shall cooperate
with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) to address the technical requirements of implementing the provisions of this
Act.

SEC. 4. Coverage. - For purposes of implementing the provisions of this Act, the
schools to be installed with 200 watts solar panels shall include the following:

a) Public elementary or high school buildings not smaller than the size of
three (3) classrooms in barangays where electrical line installation is
not available; and,

b) School laboratory or educational support facility of any size located in
barangays where electrical line installation is not available.

SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The budget necessary for the implementation of this
Act with respect to public schools shall be included in the annual budget of the
DepEd.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd shall issue the
corresponding rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws and parts of any law, order, rule and
regulation or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended
accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general

circulation.

Approved,