Philippine Cities boost tourism with Smart, Solar, and LED lighting from Philips

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, has successfully completed two lighting projects that have brought sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solutions to the cities of Roxas and Dapitan in the Philippines. The installation of new Philips LED, Smart, and Solar street lights from Signify has brightened up the streets and helped to showcase the unique local culture of each city. These projects align with the mayors’ efforts to improve tourism and transform these cities into brighter and more vibrant communities. 

These upgrades demonstrated how Signify’s Green Switch program aims to provide clean energy to cities, as solar lighting reduces carbon emissions while minimizes the need for extra power stations. By switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, the Philippines has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to three million tons*. LEDs have also proven to save up to 80% of energy consumption when compared to the traditional technologies that were deployed earlier.

“We are committed to continue bringing solutions that help unlock the extraordinary potential of lighting for Philippine cities to become more greener and smarter,” commented Signify Philippines Country Leader for Professional Business, Mr. Raghu Chandrasekhar when discussing how Signify will continue to work with local governments in the country.

 

Driving tourism in Roxas through the People’s Park and Baybay Beach

“The People’s Park was dark and unsightly”, said Roxas Mayor Ronnie Dadivas, “I felt I had to take the risk to develop the park as it has huge potential to be a magnet for tourism.  Effective LED lighting is crucial to make it happen.”  Beaming with pride, he added, “Today more people are visiting the park.  You can see that they are enjoying themselves.  With this, the local establishments are benefiting as well.  It is truly a place where families can build lasting memories.”

The project features another lighting installation at Baybay Beach, which is one of the major natural attractions in Roxas.  The beach has a rare 8-kilometer stretch of black sand beach which was frequently visited by foreign and local tourists.  The installation of solar lighting along the wide stretch of the shore has enabled local businesses to extend their business hours with visitors feeling even more safe at night. Dr. Bryan Mari Argos, City Tourism Officer, said, “It’s not just the quality of the illumination, it’s also the quality of the construction of these lights. Otherwise, you will be investing so much money and lights that will just deteriorate after a year.”  Roxas City’s Engineer Antonio Amoroso Jr echoed this by saying, “The durability of Philips is superior to other brands.”

Preserving Dapitan’s cultural heritage 

In Dapitan, Mayor Seth Frederick Jalosjos set out to modernize their city without taking away the historical value tied to Dr. Jose Rizal. In brightening up the city, they continued Rizal’s legacy as he funded the city’s first lighting installation with his own money. Mayor Jalosjos hopes the Dapitan City lighting project can be an example to other LGUs. “Knowing the beautiful structures that we have, I figured that if we brought the Philips lighting system here, it would enhance the beauty even more,” quipped Jalosjos.

City Engineer of Dapitan, Ronaldo Balisado added that their decision to use Signify was based on their trusted industry reputation as Philips lighting. “From the brand name itself, we already know the quality will be good, we were surprised that it wasn’t even the most expensive option,” he stated.

Mayor Jalosjos ended by saying that the lighting project demonstrated a commitment to give the best to Dapitanons.  He also added that the project aims for Dapitan City to carve its own path and serve as an inspiration to other LGUs.

*Data presented here is a simulation within the framework of the Green Switch conventional light point conversion model, which is a program run by Signify to help its customers accelerate the switch to energy-efficient lighting products, systems, and services. All figures and data presented here are illustrative and based on forecasts and assumptions.