“This is the most precious gift we have ever received in the many Christmas seasons that came in our lifetime”.
That was the collective sentiment of the residents of Gawad Kalinga Violet Hills Village in Kibalang, Marilog, some 50 kilometers west of downtown Davao City. Yet, in all its simplicity, it mirrors the happiness of the people who for years never expected that they would ever have the feel of one amenity of urban living — electric bulbs lighting their homes in this holiday season.
Years back it was only every resident’s dream. Last December 20, it was reality brought right before their very eyes. Some thirty (30) houses built for the same numberof families in the area by Gawad Kalinga-Davao were lighted with LED bulbs using electricity from 13-plate batteries.
This was made possible through the partnership of GK–Davao and Davao Light & Power Co. The latter piloted its solar lighting project in the GK Violet Hills Village in Kibalang in compliance with its mandate to energize communities that are far from the power grid.
With the representation of GK–Davao headed by Glicerio “Vic” Rosario, the Aboitiz-owned electric utility installed a solar-powered battery charger in a strategic location right in the GK community.
The company also procured the initial 30 batteries to be given to each household beneficiary for their use. With each battery Davao Light also donated three LED light bulbs.
To ensure the safety and quality of the installation work linemen from the company who represented their individual tribe in its CFO (Creating Future Organizations) program, did the installation of wires and receptacles on the houses. They also put up three outdoor lights mounted on poles with individual battery and self-charging solar panels.
Engineers Marcelo Migue and Arvin Capul, the joint team leaders of the solar project, said a fully charged battery can last up to 20 days with the three LED bulbs switched on at night time and switched off during the day. It can also operate a small black and white television set.
Other than the solar lighting, Davao Light’s executive vice president Art Milan funded the construction of the children’s play ground facilities. These provided a big boost to the childrens need for physical fitness while growing up.
Germanico Sayca, a 63-year old resident of Kibalang for the past 30 years said that in the beginning they did not understand what was Gawad Kalinga up to, except that there was a commitment to give them houses they can call their own. He recalled Greek mythology when he likened GK to the “rich low-lander bearing gifts” for them during the initial implementation of the housing construction.
Today, Mang Nick said the GK Violet Hills Kapitbahayan is more than just a gift. It is a full community with organized residents, solar-powered lighting, and water facility. Jun Lacanilao, the Kapitbahayan president, said the GK Violet Hills community is a fruit of trust in their fellowmen and of the capacity of each individual to move forward if they have the will and guidance from certain generous sectors.
Fr. Jun Gimeno, who blessed the solar-powered battery charger and the facility, congratulated the beneficiaries for the gift of God that was sent them through the Davao Light and GKDavao. He admonished them to take good care of the gift so they can enjoy it for a long, long time.
Milan, in his turn-over message, told the community to value the things they had received. He said the solar project in their area is a pilot one and that the success of this project could mean that more off-grid communities will have the chance of getting lighted using the solar battery charger.
Marilog barangay captain Leonilo Suyko could only thank Davao Light and GK so much for the blessings his constituents received. He longs for the day when he himself could provide his other far-flung sitios the same amenities.
With the project formally turned over and the battery unit handed to the recipients, slowly the households started coming to life. Mini Karaoke machines blare familiar music. There is euphoric excitement. All are looking forward to the first night with LED bulbs lighting their homes.
GK officials and advocates like ‘Vic’ Rosario, Nilo Claudio, Brenda Milan, former councilor Tessie Maranon, Gus Dacudao, as well as other Davao Light personnel, led by Jun Ando and his team, community relations manager Vic Sumalinog and his supervisor, Fermin Edillon, all went home proud of the thought they had done little things that made other people extremely happy.
