A total of 33,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) were distributed to the Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in the Central Visayas provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor to replace their incandescent bulbs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) partnered with the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) for the initiative that aims to promote energy conservation and efficient lighting in response to the growing effects of greenhouse gas emissions.
The DOE called on Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries to help conserve energy by using CFLs which last up to 10,000 hours and save up to 80 percent electricity compared to incandescent bulbs.
The DSWD-7 distributed more than 4,400 bulbs in Cebu, 10,400 in Bohol, 18,000 in Negros Oriental and 134 in Siquijor.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Soliman said during the launching of the bulb distribution in Mindanao, “efficient and reliable lighting is a central factor in attaining the basic human needs for education and health.”
“The CFLs are energy-efficient and considered as the smaller version of fluorescent lamps. These bulbs last about 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use about 80 percent less energy,” Soliman said.
The bulb distribution is a five-year program under the DOE’s Philippine Energy Efficient Project. Once the CFLs reach its time frame, beneficiaries can exchange their used bulbs with a new one.
Using fluorescent light bulbs will reduce energy demand, dependence on imported oil and greenhouse effects.