Electricity is so much a part of our daily lives that one or two hours of no service is not at all convenient. Though it may sound unimaginable, there are still a few communities that live each passing day without it.
One of these are the Indigenous Peoples, mostly of the Matigsalog Tribe, in Barangay Gumitan, Marilog District Davao City. Barangay Gumitan belongs in an off-grid area which is around 78 kilometers away from the city proper. The nearest power line is still at 30 kms. away.
Last December 27, 2014 has been a very remarkable event for them. It is when the Davao Light and Power Co. formally turned over a solar charging station initially benefiting 30 households residing in the area. This community was identified with the help of the Davao City local government unit.
After a four-hour travel from downtown and two-hour arduous trek, the Davao Light team composed of Fermin Edillon, Community Relations Manager together with his staff Sherilyn Puno, and Daniel Cabigon, Streetlights and Pole Utilities Department (SPUD) Manager with his team members Rolando Recto and Jonel Padillo reached Barangay Gumitan. With them are the 30 units of deep cycle batteries and 90 LED bulbs which will also be given to each of the household beneficiary.
Days prior, the SPUD team of Cabigon together with Recto, Padillo, Ariel Digao and Severino Ando Jr. conducted installation of electrical house wiring, bulb receptacles and convenience outlets to the houses of the 30 beneficiaries in preparation of the near completion of the solar charging station.
Thus, on the day of the turn-over, the residents excitedly switched on their light bulbs and were overwhelmed seeing the new facilities.
“Dili matungkad ang among kalipay nga niabot ning adlawa na matagaan kami ug paagi aron kami makakuryente. Bisan pa sa kalayo sa among lugar, nianhi ang mga taga Davao Light aron kami tabangan. Daghan kaayong salamat!” said Barangay Gumitan Captain Fernando Banayao.
“The far distance and the tiresome travel were never a hindrance for us to continue the project because we know how important this is to the community. It is our pleasure to be Davao Light’s instrument to bring blessing to the Lumads in Barangay Gumitan.” said Cabigon who together with his SPUD team worked hard to make this project realize.
Meanwhile, Davao Light also partnered with Mindanawon of the Ateneo de Davao University, a Lumad focused organization, in organizing the women’s group called the Gumitan Women Farmer Development Association. They will be in charge in the day to day operations like collection, maintenance and other activities necessary for the solar charging station. Related training will follow to help them sustain the operations including technical assistance.
The Matigsalog Tribe in Barangay Gumitan now enjoys not only a happy new year but also brighter years to come.
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