Implementing Solar Lights

In this coconut farming region of the Philippines, specifically the Sorsogon Province, the area is marked with extreme poverty and lack of infrastructure to support public utilities. Many coconut farmers lack reliable electricity, relying on costly, polluting alternatives like kerosene lamps. In addition, the coconut farmers Peter Paul Philippine Corporation live in far- reaching areas from the farm and are unable to afford lighting. To address this widespread need, the smallholder farmers voted to invest Community Development Funds in a solar lighting project, which launched in 2023 and continues today. The project provides solar power systems, including panels, batteries, and efficient bulbs, to families without grid access. In 2024, 12 more families received equipment, for a total of 52 households reached since the project launched. This project continues to help families save money, enjoy healthier indoor air quality, reduce their carbon footprint, and experience brighter, safer homes. The Fair Trade Committee specially wanted to address the need for light for children to be able complete their homework in the evening hours. This emphasis on the need to light for supporting education demonstrates how addressing basic needs in these incremental steps helps develop a baseline for success and future generations. The extent of this project is quite wide to ensure many members can benefit from access to the solar lights. The number of beneficiaries of this project has grown over the last few years. The integration of lights were added to locations in the Sorsogon Province and included the towns of Osiao Bacon District, SiutonMagallanes, Sta Lourdes Barcelona, Cagtalaba Magallanes, Bonga Castilla, Bato Bacon District, Bacalon, Magallanes, Monbon Irosin, Sisigon Matnog and Sta Teresita Bulan). In addition, there are areas in Barangays the towns of Bulan, Juban, Gubat and Magallanes where there is no electricity and are target areas for the solar lights.

The project also includes a project manager who oversee maintenance and monitoring of the distributed solar lights.