Rep. Benitez Proposes Budget Shift for Solar Street Lights
BACOLOD CITY — Representative Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez has called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to redirect P120 million originally allocated for solar studs along Lacson Street. He insists that investing in solar street lights will offer more tangible benefits to residents.
Solar studs, also called solar pavement markers, are LED lights embedded into road surfaces. However, Benitez pointed out that these solar studs often malfunction and break easily, making them ineffective for the area.
Concerns Over Solar Studs’ Effectiveness
During a recent meeting with DPWH Bacolod officials, Benitez learned that the P120 million budget for 2025 was set aside for installing solar studs at three sites, including Lacson Street. “Solar studs are not needed along Lacson Street and are not effective as they break down easily,” he said on Thursday.
He instructed DPWH to instead use the funds for solar street lighting in key locations where the community truly needs it. Any unused funds should be returned to the national government for other priority projects, he added.
Strategic Infrastructure Planning for Bacolod
Benitez met with DPWH Bacolod officials led by District Engineer Leah Jamero, Assistant District Engineer Antonio Valenzuela, and Planning Chief Engineer Lionel Besa. They discussed ongoing updates and proposed infrastructure projects for 2026.
“These consultations are important to ensure that our infrastructure projects are responsive to the needs of our communities and contribute to the long-term development of Bacolod,” community members noted.
Maximizing Public Funds for Community Needs
Benitez emphasized the importance of allocating public funds where they deliver the greatest impact. Redirecting the P120 million to solar street lights, he said, will improve public safety and visibility more effectively than solar studs.
He also highlighted that any excess budget after completing the street lighting projects should be reinvested in other critical community initiatives, ensuring a broader benefit for Bacolod residents.
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