Baguio City partnered with Signify Philippines to replace traditional streetlights with energy-efficient LED systems, a move city officials said has improved public safety and cut electricity costs.
The local government previously paid about ₱4.9 million a month for high-pressure sodium lamps; after switching to low-wattage LED lights, it now pays about ₱1.5 million to ₱1.6 million monthly.
“When we transitioned to LED, the lights were brighter, and our expenses dropped to about ₱1.5 million to ₱1.6 million compared with ₱4.8 million,” Benjamin Magalong, mayor of Baguio City, said. “Our savings reach more than ₱30 million a year from lighting alone.”
The new lighting has also supported tourism and nighttime commerce in areas such as Session Road and Harrison Road.
“There was really an improvement of the street lighting systems in the City of Baguio…Look at Session Road, look at Harrison Road; that’s why we have our night market. That is what tourists really want to visit,” Rocky Aliping, councilor of Baguio City, said.
City officials said improved illumination has helped deter crime and increased residents’ and visitors’ sense of security. Local businesses reported positive effects from better lighting.
“Taxpayers’ money is sacred, it is hard-earned,” Raghuraman Chandrasekhar, country leader for Professional Business at Signify Philippines, said. “This drives us to win the trust of the government and the Filipino people. Given this, Signify works hard to execute LGU lighting projects right the first time. All of us at Signify owe this promise to everyone, and we are committed to working hard to keep this pledge.”