DepEd to Build Solar Energy-Powered Schools

The Department of Education (DepEd) has inked agreements with Thrive Solar Energy Philippines (TSEP) and Global Peace Foundation (GPF) to provide a conducive learning environment and to expand the reach of technology across all schools in the country.

“It is unconscionable in the modern world to have children without access to light and electricity. 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,” Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC said.

DepEd’s commitment to address these gaps is manifested through the numerous collaborations and resource mobilization efforts with NGOs, INGOs and the private sector. Luistro thanked the contributors for their generous donations to public schools. “These solar lanterns, generator sets and electric panel boards are set to improve students’ academic performance, and teachers’ opportunity to explore innovative teaching strategies,” he said.

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. This can only be done by building sustained partnerships with the government.”

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.

Global Peace Foundation Philippines 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. GPF Asia Pacific Regional President Jin Soo Kim asserts their continued support to DepEd’s efforts of building energized communities starting from the schools. “The welfare of our schoolchildren is central in these joint efforts. We hope for more partnerships dedicated to promoting education programs and molding our future leaders into champions of peace and growth,” Jin said.

Following the recently inaugurated AllLights Village Program that provided unreachable communities with solar energy, 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. In this junction, the DepEd will provide computer laboratories, computer units, tablets, and technical training to teachers in all the aforementioned schools.

Long-time partners LSIS and Yu Eng Kao Electric have also turned over to the Department of Education 672 sets of LS-Fuji/Haya electric panel boards for the school rebuilding efforts in the areas recovering from supertyphoon Yolanda. (DepEd)