http://www.mb.com.ph/solar-energy-to-power-more-public-schools/
To expand the reach of technology across all schools in the country, the Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with the private sector to provide solar energy to public schools across the country.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro recently inked agreements with Thrive Solar Energy Philippines (TSEP) and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) in line with its efforts to ensure that all students will have a conducive environment for learning.
“It is a wonderful occasion to celebrate light and to bring the gift of light to every child in every school,” said Luistro during the signing. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring that all children to have the same access to resources.
“It is unconscionable in the modern world to have children without access to light and electricity,” Luistro said.
“Through these partnerships, we assert our commitment to our duty to provide the same services and the same resources to children in remote and off-the-grid areas,” he added.
Luistro stressed that DepEd’s commitment to address these gaps is manifested through the numerous collaborations and resource mobilization efforts with NGOs, INGOs and the private sector. He also thanked the contributors for their generous donations to public schools.
IMPROVED ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
“These solar lanterns, generator sets and electric panel boards are set to improve students’ academic performance, and teachers’ opportunity to explore innovative teaching strategies,” Luistro explained.
Thrive Solar Energy is a LED lighting solutions and solar power pack provider based in India. TSEP Principal Director Rumy Mohta assures that a long-term partnership with the DepEd is the goal of the company.
“Our goals as an organization go far beyond dominating the market – we aim to provide solar energy to impoverished areas in the Philippines and around the world,” he said. “This can only be done by building sustained partnerships with the government,” he added.
To date, TSEP has already distributed solar lanterns to Gawad Kalinga communities in Bulaklakan and Payatas, Quezon City.
As an initial commitment to provide for public schools, TSEP will provide 117 solar lanterns to San Ysidro Elementary School in Antipolo City to be distributed to every student in every grade level.
TSEP will also assist the DepEd in mobilizing advocates and potential benefactors through their offshore networks.
PEACE AND GROWTH
GPF Philippines, on the other hand, is a non-government organization that promotes an innovative, value-based approach to peace-building by engaging and organizing a global network of leaders who will develop community-based programs upholding a culture of peace.
According to GPF Asia Pacific Regional President Jin Soo Kim, they will continue supporting DepEd’s efforts of building energized communities starting from the schools.
“The welfare of our school children is central in these joint efforts,” he said. “We hope for more partnerships dedicated to promoting education programs and molding our future leaders into champions of peace and growth,” he added.
The GPF will extend its provision of solar generator sets to Pureg Elementary School in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan; Flora Elementary School in Capas, Tarlac; and Tamale Elementary School in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija following the recently inaugurated “All-Lights Village Program” which provided unreachable communities with solar energy.
Meanwhile, the DepEd will provide computer laboratories, computer units, tablets, and technical training to teachers in all the aforementioned schools.
DepEd also received 672 sets of LS-Fuji/Haya electric panel boards for the school rebuilding efforts in the areas recovering from super typhoon Yolanda from LSIS and Yu Eng Kao Electric to help the schools devastated last year.