Light is no longer a dream

The Davao Light and Power Co., an AboitizPower subsidiary, reaches out to residents even in the off grid areas.

Last March 1, 2014, Davao Light completed the installation of a solar charging station at Gawad Kalinga Village in Sitio Sto. Tomas, Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District.

This project initially benefited 30 households in the said area as they were recipients of free batteries donated by the electric distribution utility. Residents in nearby communities will benefit from this project as well.

With the solar charging station nearby, residents will no longer have to travel far to charge their batteries.

This saves them at least P80 for a back and forth jeepney travel fare plus meals they would have to incur while in Malabog proper. They also no longer need to leave from work every time there is a need to charge their batteries.

Moreover, Davao Light also provided training in the technical expertise of some local residents who will be tasked to maintain the solar charging facility as well as the household installation.

“We are very thankful that electricity came upon us and this boosts our morale. Despite the 70 km. distance from downtown, Davao Light was able to reach out to us to extend their service by putting up a solar charging facility and battery units for free. This project also fostered good relationships among community members through Bayanihan. We just couldn’t thank Davao Light enough for this worthy project.”, said Antonio Managuit, president of Gawad Kalinga (GK) Sto. Tomas De Villanueva.

This project is part of Davao Light’s corporate social responsibility program which main goal is to help organized associations in partnership with Gawad Kalinga to conduct skills training for men, values-formation teach-ins and livelihood seminars.

Its own personnel, composed of managers, supervisors and linemen, also went the extra mile to support the project by doing the internal house electrical wiring and installation. The team is composed of Edgar Orilla and Nelson Gumba+ of Distribution Services Department; Daniel Cabigon, Severino Ando, Rolando Recto, Jonnel Padillo, and Pjay Tizon of Streetlights and Pole Utilities Department; Allan Jaca of Billing and Collection Department; Rey Garde, Eddie Libre, Albert Fil Tuble and Gibson Yarte of Distribution Network Department; and Rogelio Adlawan of Power Metering Department.

“We envision to light up all households even those in the farthest-flung areas by providing solar powered battery charging facilities. This may not be that easy but with the help of our dedicated employees who are always willing to help in this kind of projects, all things are possible.” said Arturo Milan, Davao Light COO and EVP.

The electric utility targets at least two far-flung areas for this solar charging station every year.

As to date, solar charging facility in Sitio Sto, Tomas is the 81st station established within the Davao Light franchise.