COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo and PNOC RC President and CEO John J. Arenas (center) lead the inauguration ceremony for the 200kWp Rooftop Solar PV Project on 1 March 2017. With them are (from left) COA Commissioner Isabel D. Agito, Director Maria Carmina E. Cruz of the PNOC RC and Engineer Pedro L. Lite Jr., Vice President for Operations of the PNOC RC.

The Commission on Audit (COA) donned its environment-friendly hat by promoting renewable energy (RE) through the new 200 kilowatt solar rooftop facilities installed at its Professional Development Center (PDC) Building and new COA Dormitory. The project was made in cooperation with the Philippine National Oil Company – Renewables Corporation (PNOC RC).

COA and the PNOC RC held the switch-on ceremony for the rooftop solar PV project on 1 March 2017 at the PDC Building.

COA undertook the project in response to the government campaign to utilize alternative source of electricity at less cost.

“We are hoping that through this project we will be able to generate significant savings by lowering our electricity cost and at the same time, lower our carbon footprint for environmental reasons,” COA Chairperson Michael G. Aguinaldo said. He added that while only two COA buildings were installed with the rooftop solar PV, there is a lot of potential for the other Central Office buildings and Regional Offices.

We are elated that our fellow government agencies, such as COA, are engaged in the development and implementation of renewable and efficient energy programs. It is evident that COA’s initiatives are aligned with the PNOC RC’s vision and the government’s thrust on promoting renewable energy. We are grateful and we are proud to be working with another government agency that shares the same values and vision and we look forward to working with COA as a long-term partner,” PNOC RC President and CEO John J. Arenas said.

“PNOC Renewables Corporation endeavors to continuously work hard to promote RE advocacy and develop more RE projects,” he added.

COA and the PNOC RC executed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on 30 May 2016 to set the term and stipulations of the project. Under the MOA, the solar PV system shall be paid through a lease agreement based on an agreed rate per kilowatt-hour. The project is for a period of 15 years effective on the commencement of operation of the solar facilities. During the agreed period, PNOC RC retains ownership of the solar PV system but after the cooperation period of 15 years, ownership will be transferred to COA at no cost and free from any property liabilities.

COA is one of the initial government agencies where PNOC RC installed solar rooftop facilities under its Solar Rooftop Program in Government Agencies. PNOC RC also has similar agreements with the Department of Science and Technology and the University of the Philippines Diliman, among others. #