The Xavier University-Alternative Renewable Energy Center (XU-AREC) conducted the opening of bids for the installation of 40 units of Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) streetlights in two relocation sites in Cagayan de Oro City on March 10 at Lighthouse Restaurant, Gaisano Mall.

Two accredited and regular bidders of the Department of Energy, Physics Research of Cebu City and Gendiesel Philippines of Cagayan de Oro City, joined the bidding. The opening of bids served as verification of requirements submitted by the bidders to the Bids and Awards Committee  headed by Mr Jaysan Ray Chee of Xavier University’s Asset Management office and co-chaired by Engr Alejandro Villamor, project leader of XU-AREC.

XU-AREC has been the College of Agriculture’s link to the Department of Energy (DOE) for more than a decade. Since 1988, DOE has been funding XU-AREC in its extension programs for the promotion and commercialization of Renewable Energy Systems in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA. DOE Senior Science Research Specialist Engr Jaime Planas considers XU-AREC as one of the Department’s most valued renewable resource centers in Mindanao. He commended XU-AREC for having very well-trained staff.

The installation of Solar Photovoltaic streetlights in the relocation site in Calaanan, and in Xavier Ecoville, Lumbia was conceptualized upon the request of Rep Rufus Rodriguez to the Department of Energy.
 
Engr Villamor said that the open bidding was done to assure that the government funds are properly managed and the expenses spent are beneficial to the recipients. DOE, the funding agency, intends to guarantee transparency of government funds. The bidding is a way of selecting the highest quality SPV streetlights at the most reasonable cost.

Ms Socorro Carlyn Amomonpon of the Commission on Audit Region 10, Engr Jimmy Planas, DOE Manila, and Engr Carmelo Cabuga of DOE Davao served as witnesses to the bidding process.
 
Meanwhile, Dr Ma Theresa M Rivera of the College of Agriculture Research and Social Outreach, Ryan Louie Madrid and Victoria Aguiman of Xavier Ecoville and Engr Isidro Obligado and Mr. Reuben Bona-oy of Calaanan relocation site acted as observers to ensure that the process was properly followed.