Solar lanterns light up remote village in Digos

Sunday, February 12, 2012


DIGOS CITY -- Power has finally reached one of the remote areas here through the solar-powered lanterns extended to residents in the area.


According to Kapatagan barangay captain Juanito Morales, solar lanterns were lighted in sitio Sabwag, one of the routes mountain hikers pass when climbing the country's highest peak Mt. Apo.


For the past 36 years when electricity first reached Digos City, sitio Sabwag has remained without power.


Residents only used gas and oil lamps at night, according to Morales.


At least 50 houses are built at the foot of Mt. Apo. At present, 48 homes have solar power through the Solar Energy Foundation of business tycoon Jaime Zobel Ayala.


It was learned that 38 mountain climbers from the Kaya ng Pinoy Foundation went to sitio Sabwag to deliver the solar lanterns.


Also present were Digos City Mayor Joseph Peñas, Vice Mayor Reynaldo Hermosisima, Morales and other local officials.


The solar-powered lanterns will last longer than battery-operated flashlights.


Once fully charged, each solar lantern will last for 100 hours using the normal selector and can be used for nine hours during the night.


According to Morales, the solar lanterns can charge cellular phones aside from providing light.


Morales added that despite the lack of power in the area, most residents own cellphones that they have to charge in other sitios with electricity.


Students are grateful for the solar lanterns, which will aid them in their homework.


The solar-powered lanterns have now reached different areas in Mt. Apo, Mt. Dulang-Dulang, Mt. Canlaon, Mt. Pulag and Mt. Guiting-Guiting. (Orlando B. Dinoy)


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on February 13, 2012.