Showing posts with label CloudGrid. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CloudGrid. Show all posts

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Lighting Up Lives: Solar Power Revolution in Surigao del Norte



COURTESY: PIA

Imagine a life where the sun sets, plunging your world into darkness, with only the dim flicker of a kerosene lamp to guide you. This was the reality for many families in the island communities of Surigao del Norte. But now, thanks to a groundbreaking initiative, over 400 units of solar kits have been distributed, bringing off-grid electricity to these remote areas. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), in collaboration with Light of Hope Philippines, has made a remarkable impact by installing solar kits, known as CloudGrid, in these communities.

CloudGrid is a small generator system that provides households with more than 24 hours of light and the ability to charge mobile phones. This project, funded by the BIMP-EAGA โ€“ Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund, aims to empower disaster-vulnerable, low-income communities in the Surigao Islands. With the successful distribution of over 400 solar kits, many families have been liberated from the costly and inconvenient pay-per-charge systems previously relied upon for lighting and phone charging.


In Surigao del Norte, the journey to recovery after a disaster has often been slow and arduous. Founder and project engineer Jovie Gil Montajes of Light of Hope Philippines points out that these off-grid islands took longer to bounce back, especially after typhoons. Some island barangays lacked electricity for months following Super Typhoon Odette. By providing sustainable energy solutions, the initiative aims not only to illuminate homes but also to foster long-term resilience in these communities.

Montajes emphasizes the environmental benefits, noting, โ€œWe want to help preserve the environment by integrating renewable and sustainable energy sources in these communities that greatly rely on nature for their livelihood.โ€ The hope is that once these communities are connected to the national electricity grid, they can return the CloudGrid units, allowing the initiative to reach even more off-grid communities.



Barangay Danawan in Surigao City, a predominantly fishing community, is one of the projectโ€™s beneficiaries. Located about an hour by boat from the cityโ€™s port, over 100 households now use CloudGrid units, significantly reducing their charging costs. Renemy, a CloudGrid owner, shares her experience: โ€œBefore owning the unit, we used to spend P30 per day to charge two mobile phones and one mini rechargeable fan. We decided to avail of the unit when it was offered to us, and we can now use our ceiling fan and lights overnight.โ€

Such personal stories highlight the transformative power of this initiative. Beyond cost savings, the ability to have reliable lighting and power means improved quality of life and safety for these families. Itโ€™s not just about lighting homes; itโ€™s about lighting up lives.



Mindanao continues to lag in electrification compared to other major island groups in the Philippines, with an electrification level of 83 percent. Many off-grid islands receive electricity for just 12 to 16 hours a day, primarily from diesel-powered generators. This initiative, in partnership with Light of Hope Philippines, is determined to change that narrative by building resilient and sustainable communities through clean renewable energy technologies.

By mitigating climate change and uplifting the lives of underprivileged off-the-grid communities, this endeavor stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets compassion. As Montajes aptly puts it, the goal is to reach more communities in need, ensuring that the benefits of solar energy are felt far and wide.

In conclusion, the distribution of solar kits in Surigao del Norte is more than just a technological innovation; itโ€™s a lifeline for communities striving for a brighter, more sustainable future. With continued effort and collaboration, the dream of universal electrification in Mindanao moves closer to reality, one solar kit at a time.

Rising Stars of Golf: Celebrating the Triumphs at the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship

COURTESY: PNA In the realm of junior golf, the recent ICTSI Junior PGT Championship held at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country C...