Light comes to the search seear

Rapu-Rapu, Albay, Philippines for the inhabitants of this city in Albay, especially those on his remote island of Barangay, was a constant struggle without electricity. When they were based on costly kerosene lamps and diesel generator sets, they experienced short-term, expensive solutions that did not create the comfort and stability of the power supply.

But on May 22nd, everything changed when Solar Home System units (as photovoltaic -mainstreaming/solar -home systems or PVM/SHS) changed the island and gave its population a future full of light, hope and new possibilities.

The solar electrification project is the result of a cooperation between the national government, the list of the AKO Bicol Party, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO).

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It came from a proposal from Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, Martin Romualdez during his term as chairman of the house committee. With the consent of President Marcos, the program now helps remote communities across the country to gain access to electricity.

“The government really changed our life. It feels like we had given a second chance. In the past, we burned kerosene lamps at night, but the light was never enough. Now we have real light. We have hope,” said Loreta Bola, 80, one of the 257 beneficiaries.

For Emy Rose Berba, 30, an online teacher, the arrival of electricity marks the end of the long hours that are used to work in search of a well-lit place. Before the solar units arrived, Emy had to travel to Tabaco City via Outrigger Banca – a trip of more than three hours – to find a place where she could teach her students.

“I used to travel all day to find a well -lit place to work,” she recalled, a mixture of exhaustion and relief in her voice. “I would leave early in the morning and come home late in the evening. I missed my family on time and spent so much money. Now I can stay at home and work whenever I have to. I can easily teach my Korean students about my own room.”

She added that the solar unit not only made its work easier, but also enjoyed her family. “My cousins ​​and nephews can now study at night. This government gift is really life -changing,” she said.

frustration

For Ruel Fredo Casabuena, 71, life without electricity was a lifelong frustration. “I've been waiting for this day all my life. We have lived in the dark since I was a child as a senior citizen,” he said. “We had to use kerosene lamps that gave expensive and hardly enough light.”

Before Ruel received the solar unit, she spent P30 every three days just to keep his home illuminated. “It felt like we were paying for the dark. Now I don't have to worry. We have light all the time,” he said.

Rey Barrameda, 46, Barangay captain of Galicia, said that the solar units are more than just electricity – this symbolized freedom.

“Before that, we rely on generator sets that only ran for a few hours every day. We paid P15 per light bulb every day and additional fees for electric fans and television equipment, but it was never enough. Now we have electricity whenever we need it,” said Barrameda with a broad smile.

“Most of our residents couldn't afford to buy solar units themselves. Now we are no longer in the dark,” he added.

The success of the solar program did not end in Rapu-Rapu. During the same sales ceremony, 50 households in Sitio Dinagsaan, Hacienda on San Miguel Island in Tabaco City also received solar units, which increased the advantages of clean, renewable energy for even more remote areas.

“1,000 of the 12,000 units are assigned for Albay. We strive to reach and reach the most isolated communities in the Philippines,” said Co.

“This is about breaking the cycle of poverty and darkness. It's about empowering people to live a better life,” he added.

New beginning

The PVM/SHS is designed so that it is simple, sustainable and affordable. Each device includes solar collectors, four lamps, loading connections for mobile phones, a rechargeable portable transistor radio, an inverter and a battery storage (12 volts) that provide families with constant supply of energy and night.

Installation and delivery are free. Families only have to pay a minimal maintenance fee of P7 per day or P200 per month.

Engineer Emmanuel Jacob, chairman of the Solar Business Unit of Aleco, was proud of the effects of the project.

“This initiative is not just about installing solar modules, it is also about giving these communities opportunities and growth. It is about giving families to build up a better future for themselves and their children,” said Jacob.

According to the project, the country brings the country to the government's vision one step closer to ensure that every Filipino household has access to clean, sustainable energy.

“The power of solar energy changes life. This project is not just about bringing light into the houses, but that it rests people restoring people and the hope for people who have lived in the dark far too long,” said Co. /CB