Lawmaker urges DHSUD to adopt solar power in low-income housing

A Philippine lawmaker has pressed the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to integrate solar power into housing projects for low-income families, citing high electricity costs. The agency said it would discuss the matter with the National Power Corp. and consider including solar pa

A lawmaker on Wednesday urged the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to integrate solar power into housing programmes for low-income families, citing the financial burden of high electricity costs.

During House of Representatives deliberations on the department’s 2027 budget, Iloilo Rep. Julienne L. Baronda, the agency’s sponsor, said the department would discuss the matter with the National Power Corp. and other partners, noting the potential benefits of solar-powered housing.

The push follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive for housing projects to have their own electricity sources. Party-list Rep. Iris Marie De Mesa-Montes said the directive was particularly relevant given the high price of electricity faced by ordinary households.

“Especially at a time when the price of electricity is extremely high. Those housing units will be lived in by ordinary citizens,” she said in Filipino.

Ms. Baronda said solar homes could be incorporated into future housing modalities, adding that solar panels could be included in Pag-IBIG financing at a low rate.