Nestled two to three hours away from mainland Daanbantayan in Cebu, the island community of Carnaza beckons with its distinctive turtle-shaped silhouette. A local gem renowned for its pristine beaches, enchanting caves, and lush rainforests, Carnaza is a favored destination among tourists seeking refuge from the fast-paced urban life. While intermittent or no signal and limited power access may offer a peaceful escape for visitors, for the island’s residents, electricity is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Living off a generator, Pantao Elementary School (Elem School) is one of the many places in the island that would rejoice in the gift of electricity. From 7AM to 4PM, the generator somehow manages to help the students and the teachers get by, though not by choice. Students shared how sometimes they will not have electricity because the generator gets broken. Acknowledging the posed risk of overheating of the generator or its higher risk for fire, Pantao had no other source of electricity.

On November 9, 2023, more than 100 students, along with their parents and teachers from Pantao ES, celebrated the realization of their aspirations – finally with power. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), OML (One Million Lights), in partnership with GivePower, Pantao Elem School was bathed in light, marking a significant milestone for the community.

Through the partnership, solar microgrid panels were installed, ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for the school’s energy needs. The impact was not limited to the classrooms; it extended to the entire community, fostering a sense of unity and shared progress.

The inauguration of the lighting project was a moment of celebration, marked by smiles and joy radiating from both students and educators. The newfound brightness not only enhanced the physical learning environment but also sparked a renewed enthusiasm for education among the young learners.

After dedicating 26 years as an educator at Pantao Elem School and being a parent, Floremay Pastorpili sees the installation of solar microgrid panels as a long-awaited realization. The prospect of a consistent electricity supply for the school is particularly significant, especially given the current need for online document processing and the technological advancements she aims to integrate into her teaching.

“The installation of the solar panels are of really great help to us teachers in a way that we can provide other mediums to present our lessons. Now, we can present our learning materials in the TVs which caters to audio and visual interactions. Their eagerness to listen and focus is also heightened especially that our classrooms already have the equipment and the capacity to provide a conducive learning space for our learners,” Floremay expressed.

Schools as a safehouse in times of Disasters

RAFI, through its Humanitarian Disaster Preparedness and Response Program (RAFI HDPR), actively engages in meticulous disaster preparations. One key aspect of its initiative involves identifying secure locations within communities, serving as safe havens where residents can seek refuge in the event their homes become unsafe. This strategic approach underscores RAFI’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of communities by proactively addressing potential disaster scenarios.

The execution of this project holds the potential to enhance both the quantity and quality of education in off-grid schools such as Pantao ES. This improvement is anticipated to positively influence children’s literacy levels, elevate their overall learning experience, and contribute to more effective teacher training. Additionally, it will introduce new skills and techniques, fostering improved practices within the classroom, all within a healthier and more productive educational environment. Furthermore, recognizing the significance of disaster preparedness, having accessible lighting and power in communities, including schools, becomes a crucial resource for enhanced readiness.

Solar Trek

RAFI, OML, and GivePower’s commitment goes beyond the immediate illumination of spaces. The collaborative effort serves as a testament to the belief that access to education is a fundamental right and a catalyst for community development.

OML X GivePower’s Solar Trek, allows its members to immerse themselves in the culture, explore and experience the community in their plight to to supply reliable energy to underserved communities in different countries of the world.

Serah Okechukwu, part of the trekking group, was pleasantly surprised as her experience in the country surpassed all expectations. Shes have had Filipino friends in her time, but this trip, her first-time in the Philippines turned out to be exceptionally inspiring. Engaging with the locals on the island brought her immense joy, fostering unexpected connections that enriched her overall experience.

“The biggest takeaway personally is you can tell everything you need to know about a group of people by how they serve the youngest, weakest and poorest against them and its just so obvious how well-loved and well taken care of the children here are. The people in this island only proves that even without money, there is still a lot of time, attention, love and care need to grow up children and set them off the path that they need to go to. And that shows how the adults in this island are – so loving and how dedicated to they are to serve,” Serah expressed.

Future

As the sun sets on Carnaza, the solar-powered lights continue to shine, symbolizing the enduring impact of this collaborative initiative. The story of RAFI, OML, and GivePower lighting up Carnaza Elementary School serves as an inspiring narrative of how collective efforts can brighten not just physical spaces but also the futures of those touched by the glow of shared goodwill and commitment to education.