Bringing Light to Albay: A Solar Home Project

For over 30 years, our office has dedicated itself to electrifying the communities of Albay Province.  Since 1991, we've worked hard to connect homes to the power grid, but Albay's unique geography – from upland villages to coastal communities and island settlements – presents challenges.  Not everyone has access to our services, and we understand the significant impact this lack of electricity has on education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

That's why we're thrilled to be undertaking a new solar home project, funded by the National Government. This project aims to provide affordable, off-grid electricity to those in need, particularly residents in upland areas, coastal communities, and island settlements where our services can't reach.

Finding the Right Homes

Interview of one potential beneficiary at Brgy. Calbayog, Malilipot

Finding the right homes for our solar project wasn't as simple as it sounds! We started by looking at maps, but quickly realized that wasn't enough. Lots of remote areas – especially those tucked away in the mountains or on islands – just weren't clearly shown on the maps, making it hard to find communities without electricity.

So, we asked our amazing field team for help. They know Albay like the back of their hands! They suggested focusing on specific areas: barangays with farms near mountains (tough terrain makes connecting to the grid difficult), and coastal villages and islands, especially fishing communities. These places often have a hard time getting electricity because of their location.

Following their advice, we went to some promising spots. In Malilipot, we visited Brgy. Calbayog and found four families who could really benefit from solar power. Then, we went to Sitio Naghilo-hilo on San Miguel Island in Tabaco City – a remote fishing community that really needs reliable electricity. We found 22 families there who could benefit from the project!

This whole process showed us just how important local knowledge is. Working closely with our team and the communities themselves was key to finding the people who need our help the most. It's all about bringing light to those who need it most!

The Warmth of Community Support

The reaction from the potential beneficiaries and the wider community has been overwhelmingly positive and deeply moving. The sheer hope and gratitude expressed by those we've contacted have been truly inspiring. Seeing the anticipation and excitement in their eyes as they envision the transformative impact of having electricity in their homes is a powerful reminder of the project's importance. It’s not just about providing a service; it's about empowering individuals and communities, creating opportunities for education, economic growth, and improved quality of life. The positive feedback extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries. We've experienced a strong sense of community support and collaboration, with many people expressing their willingness to assist in identifying other families in need. This collective spirit of shared purpose is essential to the success of the project.

Let's Light Up Albay Together!

Sir Randy and Me                                   Ma'am Riza and Me

While a comprehensive door-to-door survey of every home in Albay to identify those lacking electricity would be a massive undertaking, we firmly believe that a collaborative approach is the most effective strategy. We're actively seeking the support of our fellow Albayanos. 

If you know of a community or family that currently lacks access to electricity and could benefit from this project, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your assistance in identifying potential beneficiaries is invaluable. Together, we can ensure that the light of electricity reaches every corner of our province, illuminating homes and empowering lives. Your involvement is crucial in making this vision a reality.