PBSP and Davao Light turn over Panasonic Solar Lanterns to off-grid public schools
The Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) in partnership with Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. turned over 86 Panasonic Solar Lanterns to the Department of Education XI last March 9, 2017 for the five off-grid public schools.
Davao Light being active in helping the education sector, was tapped by PBSP to be a partner in the beneficiary identification and distribution of the solar lanterns which were donated by Panasonic.
The public elementary schools (ES) chosen to receive the solar lanterns are Pegalongan ES in Sitio Pengalongan Brgy. Malamba, Pangyan ES in Purok 9 Brgy. Tamugan, Kidali ES in Kidali, Brgy. Tambobong, Baguio, Mangas-As ES in Mangas-as Brgy. Tambobong and Damilag ES in as Sitio Damilag, Mapula, all located in Davao City.
Some of these off-grid schools can only be reached by foot where both students and teachers have to walk everyday for hours just get there. Having no electricity, the solar lanterns will help the teachers, who stay late in school, to prepare for their lesson plans as well as students to study their lessons.
Present during the turn over were Davao Light's EVP and COO Engr. Rodger S. Velasco, PBSP Sr. Program Officer for Education Rommel M. Gonzales, DepEd Regional Director Atty. Alberto T. Escobarte and DepEd Division Superintendent Dr. Ma. Ines C. Asuncion. PBSP Relationship Management Officer Jennelyn M. Ragas, Davao Light team leaders and some employees, and the beneficiary-school heads namely Jayson E. Barnes of Pangyan ES, Joey John P. Omoso of Kidali ES, Danilo R. Bolos Jr. of Mangas-As ES, Cipriano S. Solatorio of Damilag ES and Davao's first Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, Mr. Randy Halasan of Pegalongan ES also graced the event.
“Together with our partner PBSP, we hope that these solar lamps will help our teachers in guiding the students to do well in school and reach for their dreams. We will always be proud and confident that the young ones through education will help make this world a better place for the next generation.” said Velasco.