In an effort to bridge the electricity gap in rural communities and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Philippines, ASSIST Project Management Office led by the Director of Projects and Strategy, Francis Macatulad distributed 30 solar flood lights under the Sinag Pag-asa project.
Sinag Pag-asa is the newest initiative of the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST) in partnership with Signify Philippines (formerly Philips Lighting) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples that seeks to provide off-grid communities with access to solar-powered lighting.
One of the first activities under the project is the distribution of 30 solar floodlights to the Dumagat Tribes of Doña Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan, who are known for their critical role as watershed protectors of the Angat Dam, one of the major reservoirs that supply water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The floodlights are expected to benefit 751 families living without access to electricity.
The ASSIST team met with Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives, Bulacan Councilors, as well as the tribal chieftains to explore innovative ways of serving the needs of the Dumagat tribes. Through Sinag Pag-asa, ASSIST hopes to aid communities in their disaster risk reduction and management and contribute to achieving 100% electrification by 2030.
For partnerships and more information about the project, contact Francis Macatulad, ASSIST Director of Projects and Strategy at [email protected].
