Because of the continued rise in world oil prices, power producers lament that maintaining affordable electricity rates is very difficult. This is why an engineer in Parañaque thought of setting up the first ever hybrid power generators in the city as alternative sources of electricity.
Using solar and wind energy, the generator is able to produce a thousand watts - enough power to light up over 20 lamp posts for nine straight hours.
To date, only six communities in the city benefit from the hybrid power generators.
"Natutuwa sila dahil wala silang binabayarang kuryente, at saka namamangha sila dahil kakaiba," said Parañaque mayor Florencio "Jun" Bernabe Jr..
The community of Talisay has yet to avail of regular electricity service.
More than 20 houses in the area only use candles and chopped wood for light and fuel needs, and families in the community are grateful for the hybrid system.
"Napakalaking bagay ‘yan dahil maski isang ilaw ‘yan napapakinabangan namin. Nakakatipid na kami sa kuryente," said resident Josie Valencia.
Aside from free electricity, the crime rate in the six communities has decreased because of the additional street lighting. Joey Villarama, ABS-CBN News