Bohol dioceses to go solar

The two Catholic dioceses of Bohol province will soon see solar panels appearing on several parishes, pastoral centers, and schools.

Two major solar energy programs are rolling out in the dioceses of Tagbilaran and Talibon soon to cut power cost and help conserve the environment.

In a statement issued on Sept. 7, the dioceses said they are currently working together with private companies and other institutions for the wide-scale use of solar power.

“Part of the cross that we carry as disciples of Jesus is the responsibility to care for the world that is entrusted to us,” the message read.

They said the solar program will minimize their dependence on power whose rates continue to go up “while the services they provide leave much to be desired, and hence our experience of brownouts”.

In a pastoral statement issued last July, the country’s bishops have called for the immediate transition to safe, clean and affordable energy to help combat climate change.

The prelates agreed to push for the use of other renewable sources of energy, and the rejection of “dirty” ones like coal and fossil fuel.

The Bohol dioceses enjoined the faithful to take good care of our “common home because we are only servants, not owners”.

“We are just stewards acting on behalf of a God whose love and compassion do not end,” they added.

Several dioceses have been slowly moving to solar power as part of the Church’s revitalized ecology programs.

Caritas Philippines, which is leading the campaign, said that of the 85 dioceses in the Philippines, around 40 are already in the process of installing solar panels systems as alternative power sources.

In August 2018, the Diocese of Maasin’s 42 parishes shifted to renewable energy, becoming the first ecclesiastical territory in the country with all its churches using solar power. CBCPNEWS