Fiat Lux: NWU attains Environmental Advancements
February 17, 2025- Northwestern University took a significant leap towards sustainability with the inauguration of its “grid-tied” solar system at Northwestern University Ecological Park and Botanic Gardens, Payas, Ilocos Norte.
Sponsored and donated by Upsilon Sigma Phi Batch 1998 of the University of the Philippines, the project helps NWU advance towards 100% clean energy for the facility and reduce its carbon footprint by 2032. The ribbon-cutting ceremony and official handover marked the completion of this initiative.
The morning ceremony gathered university administrators, donors, representatives from Upsilon Sigma Phi, the Office of the 1st Congressional District Congressman Sandro Marcos, represented by Mr. Edwin C. Carino; the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), represented by Engr. Pedro Agcaoili and Mr. Joegie Jimenes; and officials from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Ilocos Norte, Ms. Sheila Gamayon and Ms. Nora Ibana, as they witnessed the unveiling of the solar panels. University representatives expressed their gratitude for the generosity of Upsilon Sigma Phi, emphasizing how the project aligns with NWU’s vision for a greener campus.
The university community also convened once again for the much-anticipated lighting of the solar street lights across the campus. The event commenced with an opening remark by Prof. Karl Lenin Benigno, NWU Vice President for Administration.
“It is more than just an elimination project of our pathways in the campus, this is rather a testament to our university’s dedication to a cleaner, safer, and smarter future,” he stated. “This initiative reflects on the responsibility to embrace renewable energy solutions while fostering a culture of environmental consciousness among our students and the stakeholders,” he concluded.
In addition, Atty. Ferdinand S. Nicolas, University President in his speech where he asked the audience about the school motto in connection with the lighting of the solar street lights in the university.
“Fiat Lux which means let there be light, this is symbolic as we shine this light in the darkness, as we continue to shine the light of knowledge so that everyone will be illuminated, enlightened, and progressed and walk in the life,” he said. He concluded his speech by giving his utmost gratitude to the partners in the development of this project, the Busilac Builders.
Furthermore, Atty. Robert Camarillo, President of Busilac Builders the company responsible for installing the solar street lights, formally turned over the completed project to NWU.
“We are officially turning over the completed project of the solar light system around the campus. There are 53 solar lights installed plus 8 floodlights installed for the illumination of the campus,” he stated.
The celebration concluded with a campus tour, where guests and attendees marveled at the newly installed solar street lights illuminating the university grounds. The event was met with enthusiasm and appreciation, marking a new chapter in NWU’s journey toward environmental consciousness and energy efficiency.
