Garganera defends allocation of PHP 3.9 million for electrical improvement project
In a bid to enhance the power supply and protect sensitive equipment from surges and outages, Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera has proposed the installation of an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) for the Cebu City Hall's executive building. The proposal was presented during a City Council regular session on July 29, 2025, and has since sparked a discussion.
The aging electrical lines in the executive building, which have been in place for the last 20 years, were a point of concern during an executive session on Aug. 12. The session involved the Department of General Services (DGS) and experts, who noted that the current setup might not provide a smooth power transfer between the main grid and the backup generator.
Mayor Nestor Archival, an electrical engineer, has called for a review of the project, expressing concerns about its cost and necessity. Several councilors shared similar sentiments, questioning the P3.9 million cost of the ATS, with some comparing it to a mere breaker.
The ATS, however, offers more than just a power switch. It ensures a seamless power transfer during outages, minimising downtime and protecting equipment from surges and interruptions. The proposed ATS is intended to upgrade the building's decade-old electrical system, complementing the more powerful 1,000 kVA generator that is planned to be installed to meet increased power demands.
The total budget for the ATS project is approximately P3.9 million. Around P1 million is allocated for the ATS unit itself, with the remaining P2.97 million for new cables and labour costs to upgrade the aged electrical infrastructure.
The current 300 kVA generator in the executive building is insufficient for all power needs. A 1,000 kVA generator donated by CCLEX is planned to be installed to address the increased power demands due to more air conditioning units, computers, and equipment. A power and load audit was requested by Councilor Garganera to determine the building’s actual power requirements and to justify electrical system upgrades.
Without the ATS, the equipment and computers in the executive building could be at risk during non-seamless power transfer, potentially resulting in damage. The installation of the ATS aims to mitigate this risk, ensuring a continuous, seamless power supply for the executive building of Cebu City Hall.
- Councilor Garganera's proposal for installing an ATS in the Cebu City Hall's executive building is not only about replacing a breaker; it also aims to upgrade the building's technology, ensuring protection from surges and interruptions in the changing business environment.
- In light of the increasing power demands due to air conditioning units, computers, and more equipment, the planned ATS and 1,000 kVA generator deployment in the executive building could significantly improve the finance sector's operations by preventing potential equipment damage during non-seamless power transfers.
