Mayor Benjamin Magalong, representing the city government of Baguio, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), August 22, this year, with Sunsmart Solar Power Technology Inc., represented by its president, Jenny Lin Maano, as the city seeks renewable energy sources for the electrification of its streets through hybrid technological solutions, with possible integration of Artificial Intelligence Of Things (AIOT).
The move is in compliance with the Green Energy Option or Republic Act 9153 (An Act Promoting the Development, Utilization, and Commercialization of Renewable Energy Resources, and for other Purposes).
Sunsmart is a domestic corporation and an all-renewable energy company providing breakthrough technology of integrated solar hybrid mini grids, micro-utility solar-water power stations and smart city street lighting systems for emergency response, warnings and rescue, and disaster preparedness solutions readily enabled with AIOT.
“Both parties recognize the significant role of public-private collaborations for sustainable and climate change resilient developments partnership in achieving a cleaner, safer, protected and healthier environment that will contribute to providing adaptive solutions to access inclusive economic growth through opportunities to overcome the challenges of urban growth, increase environmental awareness and amplify resiliency,” the MOA stated.
Under the agreement, Sunsmart’s roles and responsibilities include providing a proof of concept (POC) for a period of three months at no expense to the city that shall include the transfer of needed equipment provided to LGU-Baguio for free for purpose of the POC and its active term, including if such term is extended by mutual agreement of the parties. After the POC’s termination, the equipment shall be returned to Sunsmart; among others.
For the city, on the other hand, it includes identifying and ensuring the safe, practical and most viable location where the systems will be installed to be able to harvest optimum sunshine and wind to generate free and clean electricity; and more.
“Nothing in this agreement creates any joint venture, agency or partnership or franchise relation between the parties hereto, and neither party shall have the right, power or authority to create any obligation or duty, expressed or implied, on behalf of the other party and the authority to make statements, representations or commitments of any kind, or take any action, which shall bind or commit the other party, except as provided herein or as authorized by the other party,” the MOA stated.
It added: “This MOA is not intended to vest preferential right over the project nor does it bind LGU-Baguio to award any project, favor, or grant to Sunsmart. However, both parties are expected to act in good faith and pursuant to the commitments set forth in this MOA.”**Gaby B. Keith
