A solar power system supported by Caltex has helped San Pablo Apostol Parish (SPAP) in Tondo, Manila, save an estimated P2.58 million in electricity costs over three years, allowing the church to direct more resources toward feeding, scholarships, and other community programs.
Caltex, marketed by Chevron Philippines (CPI), funded the initial purchase and installation of the parish’s solar power system. The project has since demonstrated how reducing operating expenses can help community organizations stretch their resources further, particularly when supporting families who need assistance.
Before the solar panels were installed, SPAP spent approximately P80,000 monthly on electricity. With lower power costs, the parish has been able to redirect much of the money saved toward its social programs, which initially began as a feeding initiative in 2017 before expanding to include educational and livelihood support.
According to the parish, 80% of the savings have gone toward its feeding and scholarship programs, while the remaining 20% has supported general and administrative expenses. Among the beneficiaries is the Make Jesus Known and Loved (MaJeKaL) Mission, which has provided 40,000 meals through its feeding activities.
For a parish working to support children and families in Tondo, these savings translate into more than a lower electricity bill. They provide additional resources for programs that address immediate needs, such as food, while helping young people pursue their education.
The project was implemented through Bakhita Canossa Foundation Inc., the congregation’s official foundation for community programs. Sasonbi Inc. served as the project proponent, with the foundation and San Pablo Apostol Parish acting as beneficiaries.
Fr. Reynaldo Daguitera, former parish priest and executive director of the MaJeKaL Mission Center, said the support goes beyond providing meals and scholarships. He emphasized how these initiatives can restore dignity, offer hope, and encourage children to pursue a better future.
CPI General Manager and Country Chairman Pongtorn “Bon” Tangmanuswong said the company envisioned the solar project as a way to connect environmental stewardship with the parish’s community work. He added that seeing the savings support children and families has brought that vision to life.
Looking ahead, SPAP intends to use the continuing electricity savings to sustain its feeding, scholarship, and livelihood programs.
The Caltex-supported solar project is part of the company’s social investment initiatives, which cover education, livelihood, health, safety, and environmental sustainability. In Tondo, its impact is measurable in pesos saved and meals provided, as well as the additional resources available to help children and families.
Autocar’s Take
The San Pablo Apostol Parish project shows how solar energy can deliver benefits beyond reducing electricity bills. For community organizations operating with limited resources, lower monthly expenses can mean more money for feeding programs, scholarships, and livelihood assistance. The reported P2.58 million in savings over three years is significant, particularly when 80% has been directed toward feeding and education initiatives.
Caltex’s support also highlights a practical connection between environmental sustainability and community development. The real measure of success, however, will be whether these savings continue to sustain programs and provide lasting opportunities for Tondo’s children and families.
