ANGELES CITY – Taking the lead in blending public education and sustainability,
Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. on March 6 inaugurated the first fully solar-powered public elementary school in Central Luzon, making the Belen Homesite Elementary School a showcase for the entire Philippines.
“This school is a showcase of Angeles City’s commitment to education and sustainability for the entire Philippines. It proves that local governments can prioritize public schools, ensuring that they are modern, energy-efficient, and conducive to learning,” enthused Lazatin.
“With a total of 32 kVA solar panels, Belen Homesite Elementary School stands as a model for other cities to follow, demonstrating that renewable energy can power our classrooms,” he said.
The fully solar-powered school features seven new air-conditioned classrooms and can accommodate approximately 189 students.
The rehabilitation of the facility, which amounted to ₱3 million, was fully funded by the Angeles City Government—a clear testament to the city’s dedication to enhancing public education.
Lazatin called on teachers and parents to help maintain the school’s facilities, ensuring that students continue to benefit from a clean, safe, and energy-efficient learning environment.
“I am proud to say that this project is part of our continuous efforts to improve public education in Angeles City,” he added. “As I near the end of my term, my commitment remains firm—to leave a thriving and progressive city.”
Belen Homesite Elementary School principal Mary Ann Tenidor expressed gratitude for the city government’s initiative, declaring, “Bheseyans are privileged to be chosen by our Mayor Lazatin as the pilot school for a fully solar-powered and airconditioned school in the region. This solar-powered school is a game-changer for our students and faculty. With modern, sustainable facilities, we can provide a better learning environment while also promoting environmental responsibility.”
The Parent-Teacher Association president Berlin Jhay Meneses, Jr. also lauded Lazatin’s leadership, saying, “We are grateful for the mayor’s commitment to public education. This project proves that with the right leadership, public schools can be just as modern and well-equipped as private institutions.”
The inauguration, Lazatin furthered, was made possible through the dedicated efforts of various city departments, including city engineer’s office and office of the city building official headed by Engr. Helen Ayro and Engr. Giovannie Aquino; general services office under Evangeline Malonzo; local finance committee, comprising city accountant Lilibeth Enriquez, city budget officer Jane Nakpil, and acting city treasurer Arneil Escolango.
The mayor also extended his gratitude to his Mayor’s Office team, including chief adviser IC Calaguas, Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel, and the Lazatin senior staff: Michael Lising, Mina Cabiles, Irish Llego, Anneleen Sugui, Mary Jane Calimquim, Sharmaine Gonzales, Alain Carlo Merano, and Kagawad Ma. Theresa Salonga, for their tireless work in making the project a reality.
This landmark project aligns with the city’s broader initiatives in sustainable development and education, reinforcing Angeles City’s reputation as a leader in progressive and environmentally conscious governance. Angeles CIO
