A rural Philippine community is finding it easier to keep the lights on after global non-profit social-impact organisation Women of Global Change (WGC) launched a chapter in the country earlier this year.
With the support of a Brighter Future For Next Generation, WGC is working with rural communities, including the T’Boli Tribe (Dreamwavers Village) of Lake Sebu in Mindanao.
In a country where the electricity supply is frequently compromised by earthquakes, flooding and severe storms – not to mention communities being locked down due to the Covid-19 pandemic – solar power can offer a stable, and earth-friendly alternative energy supply.
The group aims to provide solar power to 1500 homes within five years, having already installed systems in 25 homes.
Philippines chapter president Lovanne Lubaton Gallo says the chapter led by Jared Servano as WGCPH Indigenous Peoples Leader, will schedule installation of solar panels for the people living near Lake Sebu next month.
“It has no access to power energy, and the government has no budget to include them in a plan. For them to eat, work and study night time WGC aims to provide them with solar power.”
The first panels were installed at Calawis, benefiting the Dumagat tribes, last month.
“Some things that can seem so small can mean so much to so many,” explains WGC founder Dame Shellie Hunt.
“When we share our light, the world can’t help but shine. Every home that receives light for the first time, means a child can read at bedtime. It is truly life-changing.”
The Philippines chapter of WGC is taking action on multiple fronts including lighting up homes with solar power, cleaning the ocean, teaching women educational and sustainable business practices, and offering free computer coding programs.
At the end of this month, WGC’s Philippine chapter plans a campaign to dive deep and clean the ocean off the coast.
Globally, WGC has helped more than 50,000 families to date.
- Main image (representative): @RLTheis via Twenty20.
