Illuminating Lives: PHCCI Donates PHP500,000 Worth of Solar Lamp Posts to Negros Oriental Communities

 

Dumaguete Cooperative Extends Brightness: PHCCI Donates PHP500,000 Worth of Solar Lamp Posts to Negros Oriental Communities

The Perpetual Help Community Cooperative Inc. (PHCCI), counted among the prominent cooperatives in the Visayas, has contributed PHP500,000 worth of solar lamp posts to enhance the lives of residents in underserved communities in Negros Oriental. The most recent beneficiaries, comprising 175 households in six different barangays across the province, received two solar lamp posts each from the cooperative starting this week.

The barangays benefiting from the initiative include Barangay Azagra in Tanjay City (30–35 households), Barangay Cabugan in Bindoy town (30 households), Barangay East Balabag in Valencia (25 households), Barangay Sab-ahan in Bais City (20-25 households), Barangay Napacao in Siaton town (13 households), and Sitio Salangan, Barangay Mayabon in Zamboanguita (56 households).

Entering its third year, the "Kaabag sa Kahayag" (Partner for Light) project has seen an investment of around PHP500,000 since its inception, with more donations planned for this year, according to a PHCCI official. The initiative, launched in 2022, aims to address the lighting needs of barangays and communities where electricity is scarce, expensive, or inaccessible.

Rex Rastica, the PHCCI chief marketing officer, highlighted the success of the project in beneficiary communities, leading to the decision to continue and expand it in 2023. Additional funds have been allocated this year to reach more beneficiaries.

In an interview, Barangay Napacao chairman Enrico Aliabo expressed appreciation for the project, noting its suitability for indigent families without access to electricity through the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative II. Aliabo thanked PHCCI and the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army for facilitating the donation.

Residents of the GK Kaigsoonan Village in Salngan also conveyed their gratitude to PHCCI for installing solar lamp posts, providing essential lighting during the night.