Installation of Solar Lights in Barangay Quirino, Solano Nueva Vizcaya

Submitted by:

BULAN, JULIE FAITH A.

PANGANIBAN, LYKA JANNINE O.
RESPICIO, NOREEN JEANNE P.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 4
6784 – 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM MTh

Submitted to:

MS. DIWATA V. DONATO

Instructor

December 2022

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 1
 Background of the Barangay Quirino

History

The creation of Barangay Quirino in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya was made possible by R.A.

3590, also known as the “Barrio Charter.” It was previously known as District 4, including

Barrio Sinafal, Barrio Maddiangat of Quezon, Nueva Vizcaya. District 4 does include Barangay

Poblacion South and Bagahabag. When former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr. declared

Martial Law in 1972, Barrios was renamed barangays. Thus, the name Barangay Quirino. It was

named after the late President Elpidio Quirino, known for his socioeconomic policies. Today,

Barangay Quirino is the most progressive and densely populated barangay in the Municipality of

Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

The integral growth and development of Barangay Quirino took place because of the

moral support, initiative, and efficiency of the Barangay Council Members and the financial

assistance given by the stakeholders and officials of the Local Government Unit of Solano.

Hence, in 2015, under the esteemed leadership of Punong Barangay Walter D. Savedra, Sr.,

barangay officials, and the GPTA Solano South Central School, they were able to implement

programs and projects such as canal lining in the different Puroks, installation of street lights,

rehabilitation of the Barangay Hall and construction of Multi-Purpose Gymnasium.

Demography

Table 1. Population size, profile

Description
Total Population 6,563 Inhabitants
Number of Males 3,243
Number of Females 3,320

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 2
 Number of Families 1,615
Number of Households 2,240
Number of Labor Force 2,485
Number of Unemployed 1,182

Population size, number of males and females, and average family size as of the latest

National Census on population, Barangay Quirino has a total of 6,563 inhabitants, with a total

household of 2,240, with 2,485 of the labor force and 1,182 unemployed. (See Table 1.)

Table 2. Religious Affiliations

Type of Religion Population

Roman Catholic 60 %
Iglesia ni Cristo 10 %
Protestants 25 %
Baptist 00 %
Jehovah Witnesses 01 %
Islam 02 %

As shown in Table 2 above, Barangay Quirino is predominantly occupied by 60% Roman

Catholic individuals, followed by 25% Protestants, 10% Iglesia ni Cristo, 2% Islam, and 1%

from Jehovah’s Witnesses. There is 0% of Baptists individuals that resides in the barangay.

Bio-Physical Characteristics

a. Geographical Location

Barangay Quirino is more than a hundred meters away from Centro/Poblacion.

b. Neighboring Boundaries

1. North: Barangay Poblacion South

2. South: Barangay Bonfal Proper, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

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 3. East: Barangay Bagahabag

4. West: Barangay Quezon

c. Type/Classification of Barangay

Barangay Quirino is considered to be an Urban Barangay. Characterized by agricultural,

industrial, and commercial features.

d. Land Area

The total land area in hectares of Barangay Quirino is: 354.4203 Hectares.

a. Residential: 234.6329

b. Agricultural: 84.0425

c. Commercial: 8.3498

d. Others: 121.7125

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 4
 Background of the Policy or Program

Installation of Solar Lights

In today’s modern world, renewable energy is becoming more popular and one of the

most prevalent green technologies is solar panels. Solar panels (also known as “PV panels”) are

now used to transform light from the sun, which is made up of energy particles known as

“photons,” into electricity which can be used to produce electric loads. Additionally, renewable

energy sources can provide clean, limitless, and progressively affordable energy. The

International Energy Agency has declared that the expansion of clean energy is inevitable.

As one of the most progressive and populous barangays in the Municipality of Solano,

implementing sustainable electricity and cleaner energy sources has expanded, implying the need

for additional power options in Barangay Quirino. A need for solar-powered streetlights arose

due to this continuing development and various commercial activities. Barangay Quirino is one

of the best streets in the municipality of Solano, but some zones have no lighting along the road

leading to the homes of the residents. The lack of street lights exposes residents to security and

safety risks, particularly among students and other residents of the barangay. Vehicle owners and

commuters travel through dimness and darkness on their way to their homes, leaving them

susceptible to trouble and potential dangers.

Concerning the issue, the Barangay proposed a viable solution: installing solar lights,

which would be included in the Barangay Development Plan for the year 2022. This initiative

would be instrumental to the residents of Barangay Quirino. With the advantages that solar-

powered street lights provide, their development of them would be a tremendous help and a

better alternative to traditional lighting.

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 When solar-powered lighting systems are employed instead of oil or kerosene lighting

systems, the health and well-being of the community are improved. The Barangay would benefit

from installing solar-powered street lights because it can brighten areas to improve safety and

security and at the same time it can be both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Considering Barangay Quirino is known for looking out for the welfare of its residents, installing

solar-powered street lighting would be favorable for preserving the barangay's tranquility and

order.

Due to its CCTV features, which not only illuminate every street but also enable the

apprehension of criminals, it can eliminate crime and other commotion. However, since some

portions of the barangay, particularly those in residential areas, still need solar-powered street

lights, some crimes cannot be watched over or noticed by barangay officials and tanods. Given

the numerous advantages that solar-powered streetlights provide, replacing traditional streetlights

with solar-powered ones seems to be the most favorable course of action to take. In comparison

to more conventional energy sources such as coal and gas, the source of this energy, which is

referred to as solar energy, is an environmental, low-maintenance, and sustainable form of

energy. Therefore, it is essential to note that Barangay Quirino must continue to develop its

programs regarding installing solar-powered street lights. They should do this in all areas of their

barangay so that every resident can be well-secured and protected while also preventing the

emergence of crimes.

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 Analysis of the Policy or Program

According to the United Nations, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which

all United Nations Member States adopted in 2015, provides a shared framework for peace and

prosperity for people and the planet both now and in the future. The 17 Sustainable Development

Goals (SDGs) are at the core of it, and they are an urgent call to action by all developed and

developing countries in a global partnership. They acknowledge that eradicating poverty and

other deprivations must be combined with strategies to improve health and education, reduce

inequality, and stimulate economic growth - all while addressing climate change and working to

protect our oceans and forests.

Many of us have walked alone at night on a dark street, thinking how helpful and

comforting it would be if there were streetlights to illuminate our path. During such times, we

realize how vital lights are and how blind we have been to the benefits of these lighting products.

It is often told that violent crimes happen more during the night rather than during the day. As

per the Philippines Crime & Safety reports, crime remains a significant concern, especially in

urban areas of the country. And the truth is, in our locality, some places - often remote locations,

lack sufficient street lighting (Philippine News Agency).

Similar to the study of Claridad, et al. (2017), with the use of conventional streetlights

becoming increasingly problematic, potential solutions have been proposed. Given solar-

powered streetlights’ benefits, replacing conventional streetlights with them would be a better

option. Solar energy is an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and renewable energy source

compared to traditional lights, which are dependent on electricity produced from non-renewable

fossil fuels.

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 Most solar panels operate automatically by detecting outdoor light with a light source.

Solar streetlights are intended to operate continuously throughout the night. Solar energy is

necessary to sustain life on Earth; it can be used to generate solar electricity. It is dependent on

manufactured devices such as solar panels or solar cells to provide a source of clean, low-cost

renewable energy. Because of high demand and low production, solar energy has become

increasingly important in power generation, the simplest way to generate electricity. 

According to Daware (n.d.), Solar LED streetlights are powered by photovoltaic panels

and have rechargeable batteries. It charges the batteries during the day and then powers the LED

lamps to provide optimal lighting at night. Furthermore, traditional streetlights are significantly

less expensive than their solar counterparts. It is a better investment at a lower cost when the

total money spent is considered, from installation and maintenance to lamp or light replacements.

Solar-powered streetlights have no adverse environmental effects. The use of solar energy to

power streetlights is extremely safe and, in fact, far superior to the use of traditional streetlights

powered by electricity generated from non-renewable sources.

In addition, to promoting safety solar-powered street lighting can also be utilized to raise

citizen quality of life and enhance the security of motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. Even if

installing solar-powered street lighting is expensive, the effects may take time. Imagine the

money you could save on your electricity bill. If the barangay adopted solar street lights as well,

you could continue to use them even if there is a power outage. You won’t need to rely on the

power grid once solar streetlights are installed. It will also result in constructive societal

development. People can spend more time outside their homes because they feel comfortable and

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 8
secure. Solar streetlights can satisfy the community’s lighting needs without causing blackouts

because they can still function without the required electricity.

For the most part, solar lighting has shown to be more advantageous than conventional

lighting sources in terms of cost, effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. According to

BRIA Homes (2020), adopting solar-powered technology ends their reliance on burning fossil

fuels to produce electricity because the sun is an unlimited energy source. For security personnel

and barangay police who patrol the street at night, solar-powered street lights are essential for

further lowering instances of theft, assault, and accidents. Furthermore, having these lights on the

residential roads, streets, walking pathways, and other parts of the barangay makes finding your

way more accessible. In turn, this fosters a friendly and approachable environment inside the

community.

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 9
 Policy Recommendation

All street and road lighting aim to provide the highest level of safety and accessibility.

However, the ideal solution must be cost-effective and energy-efficient, with minimal light

pollution. To ensure that all of these objectives are met, experience and expertise are required.

a. Quality of Lighting - It is critical to ensure uniform light and as little glare as possible to

avoid significant differences between different areas and stretches of road. This aids

adaptation and reduces glare from wet road surfaces. Proper shielding and appropriate

placement are critical for preventing direct glare and ensuring adequate light distribution.

In addition to these general considerations, the recommended amount of light is

calculated based on critical factors such as road type, speed limit, average daily traffic,

and surrounding environment. A critical goal of street and road lighting is to keep

pedestrians safe. Lighting at pedestrian crossings is especially important in this regard.

Poorly lit crossings may provide a false sense of security while increasing the risk of an

accident. Poor lighting can lead pedestrians to believe they have been seen and that an

oncoming car will stop, while the driver is oblivious to the fact that someone is about to

cross the road.

b. Costs, efficiency, regular maintenance, and the environment - The benefits of the

street and road lighting must always be weighed against infrastructure, care, and energy

consumption costs. The fittings must be energy efficient, durable, easy to install, and

require no maintenance for good results. It’s also a good idea to use control systems that

ensure no more power is used than is necessary. In other words, solar-powered lighting is

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 10
 the best kind of environmentally friendly lighting. Solar street lights are more affordable

as an investment than traditional street lights.

c. Light Pollution Prevention - Preventing light pollution is thus in everyone's long-term

interests. Fortunately, reducing light pollution from street and road lighting is easy and

inexpensive. Three measures must be put in place to ensure appropriate lighting while

limiting light pollution to a minimum: the correct type of fittings in the right areas, proper

shielding, and the right control systems.

d. Monitoring - Barangay Tanod brigades provide an important service in maintaining

peace and order in barangays. Their night patrols protect the community at the risk of

exposing their lives to the community’s criminals.

e. Putting Solar Panels in not-shady areas - Barangay officials should see that before

installing solar lights in the streets, they should check whether tall trees or buildings do

not shade the site. They should spend a considerable time during the planning stage

examining a location that will guarantee that nothing will block the solar panels from

sustaining energy from sunlight.

f. Maintaining the cleanliness of the Solar Panels - Solar Panels require minimal

maintenance as they have no mechanical components. Nevertheless, Barangay Officials

and other stakeholders will take the initiative to clean up the solar panels regularly

because dust and dirt can pile up on the surface and decrease their effectiveness.

g. Control system, alteration, and upgrades - Areas with abundant sunlight should be

used to install solar-powered street lighting. If there is no solar lighting on rainy days, the

battery cannot be charged by the illumination of the solar panel. At this point, front-

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 11
 loading the battery at night is the only way to switch on the lights. Longer light-on times

and longer battery lives are associated with greater battery pack capacities. Depending on

where it will be installed, the barangay should choose the height of the pole's light. The

design of solar streetlights should consider the location where they will be used, the

climate, and other variables. By configuring the solar street light's characteristics in this

way, you can guarantee that every person in your community will be safe and secure and

at the same time, decrease the vulnerability of the people's lives.

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References
Bazar, A. (2022). Proposed feasibility study of installed solar street lights at barangay arenas,

Arayat, Pampanga. Iconic Research and Engineering Journals, 6 (2), 205-214.

Caliwan, C. (2021). Total Crime Volume Drops 39.59% in 2020: PNP. Republic of the

Philippines: Philippine News Agency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1126251#:~:text=Gen.,to%2041%2C269%20cases

%20in%202020.

Claridad, P., Duerme, J., Eduria, J., Fernando, E., & Ramos, R. (2017). A Study on the Efficiency

of Using Solar Powered Street Lights in Intramuros, Manila. Academie. Edu.

https://www.academia.edu/35362064/A_Study_on_the_Efficiency_of_Using_Solar_Pow

ered_Street_Lights_in_Intramuros_Manila

Daware, K. (n.d.). Information On Solar Photovoltaic Street Lighting System & Working

Principle. Electrical Easy. https://www.electricaleasy.com/2019/01/solar-street-lighting-

system.html

De Leon, J., Fernandez, K., Roleda, R., Sorilla, J., Dulay, A. (2018). Particle swarm optimization

for efficient layout of solar streelights in dense residential roads.

Muurlink, O., & Macht, S. (2020). Managing (out) corruption in NGOs: A case study from the

Bangladesh delta. Journal of Management and Organization, 26(6), 1014.

POL SCI 142 | INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATION | BARANGAY POLICY REFORM PAPER 13
 Appendices

The authors (Lyka Jannine Panganiban, Julie Faith Bulan, and Noreen Jeanne Respicio)
with Barangay Captain of Quirino, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, Punong Barangay Walter D.
Savedra, Sr. Taken during the interview concerning the policies and programs of the barangay on
December 2, 2022.

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