At Power 4 All, we believe in the transformative power of sustainable energy, especially in underserved communities. Last August 31, 2024, our volunteer’s initiative brought this principle to life, by installing solar-powered streetlights in the remote Aeta communities of Brgy. Mawacat and Brgy. Nabuclod, Floridablanca, Pampanga. This campaign #power4good was successfully accomplished in collaboration with Barangay LGUs, aims to significantly improve the quality of life for over 340 families by addressing their need for reliable lighting.
The Aeta tribe of Mawacat and Nabuclod face daily challenges that come with living in remote areas. With over 228 households and more than 300 students, the villages lack basic infrastructure, including consistent access to electricity. This has far-reaching impacts on safety, education, and local economic activities.
Without streetlights, community members have had to navigate dark and unsafe streets, increasing the risk of accidents. The absence of lighting also limits after-hours learning for students and hampers local trades that operate in the evenings. Additionally, the local schools serve as evacuation centers during natural disasters such as typhoon, making reliable lighting crucial for emergency response.
Power 4 All’s solar lighting initiative targeted key areas such as the main streets and the grounds of the local schools, based on a community assessment and the School Improvement Plans (SIP) submitted by the principals of Mawacat and Nabuclod Elementary Schools. These streetlights are designed to provide consistent illumination by harnessing the power of the sun, making them an ideal solution for communities with limited access to the power grid.
The solar-powered streetlights have already made a measurable impact. Residents report a 30% decrease in night-time accidents and feel safer moving around the village after dark especially when getting potable water in the river. Furthermore, local tradespeople are also benefiting, as the lights support night markets and other evening activities that are vital to the community’s livelihood or when harvesting crops such as bitter gourd and eggplant.
This project #power4good was made possible through a strong partnership with the Barangay LGUs of Mawacat and Nabuclod, led by Barangay Captains Marilou S. Bacani and Romeo T. Alvaro, as well as the principals of the local schools Leo Francis Dilag and Shery R. Reyes. Together, we worked to ensure that the solar lights were placed in areas where they would have the most significant impact on safety and education.
The success of this initiative is just the beginning. As we continue to expand our solar lighting projects to other underserved areas, we remain committed to empowering communities through sustainable energy solutions of Power 4 All. Our mission is not just to provide light, but to create lasting change in the lives of the people we serve.
We invite you to be part of our journey as there are still many areas to cover in the communities of Mawacat, Nabuclod and nearby Barangays in their tribe. Enhancing the illumination in these areas not only improves safety and security but also contributes to a more vibrant culture and active community life. Whether through volunteering, donations, or corporate partnerships, your support can help us light up more communities and bring hope to those in need. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.