Comm 2-B Spearheads Project LiComm, Brings Solar Power to Sitio Batson

Report by Justin Marc Torres | Photo by Diya Nicole Gurung

Students of AB Communication 2-B leads a social mobilization program for the indigenous community entitled, "Project LiComm: Liwanag Para sa COMMunidad" at Sitio Batson, Brgy. Sto Nino, Bamban, Tarlac, on December 22.

With its focus on United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals 7 (SDG 7); Affordable and Clean Energy—solar powered generators were provided as an initiative to solve the community’s identified problem.

Roberto Luiz Macapagal, class' overall head, explained why they chose the SDG 7 in an interview.

"Nagkaroon pa ng three groups at nagcompete pa kung ano yung pipiliin. We chose SDG 7 kasi sa kwento nina Nanay Pani, sila lang yung walang kuryente sa Sitio batson, and feel namin that is a really big story na pwede naming matugunan." He elaborated.

The community received eight solar panels and portable power stations, extension cords, and mini fans, as well as food packs that the class have accumulated through sponsorships and their own money.

Victor Dimarucut, a local of Sitio Batson, addressed his experiences with the limited power access in the area, having to go to the different parts of the Sitio just to charge their phones, and flashlights.

"Hindi pa nakaabot dito eh. Ewan ko kung bibigyan kami kasi nirequest na namin yun kaso hindi pa nila naapprove-an yata yung pagtatawid ng mga poste ng TARELCO (Tarlac Electric Cooperative Inc.)" he said.

"Iniisip rin nila yung sapa kasi lumakalaki rin ito, ginigiba niya yung kabilaan, at lumalapad siya. Pero sana, malaking pasasalamat yung makatawid talaga [yung mga poste] dito. Dimarucut added.

Dimarucut also mentioned the importance of a hanging bridge, and clean water in their community when asked about the things that they want to see in the community in the future.

The storytelling group informed and entertained the kids about the importance of electricity in one's life by telling a story with the piece that they wrote.

Storytelling Head, Ahrylle Sagun, gave emphasis to the willingness of the kids to learn as they tell the story.

"Yung mga bata katulad nila na wala naman masyadong resources sa pag-aaral, meron pa rin pala silang interes na makinig hindi tulad ng iba na mayroong resources pero walang plano na mag-aral, at makinig.” Sagun added.

Simultaneously, the seminar proper group went through the seminar proper for adults about renewable energy, focusing mainly on solar energy.

Seminar proper head, Jazper Nartates shared his gratitude for the privilege that he had, sharing his knowledge with the community about the topic.

"Masarap sa pakiramdam na nakikita namin silang masaya at grateful sa mga binigay namin, and isa ito sa mga i-checherish namin na memories as a Comm students at hinding hindi namin makakalimutan ang ngiti ng mga mamamayan dito." Nartates voiced.

B-Jay Millo, Comm 2-B class mayor, talked about what made the class pursue the outreach program.

"First is yung fulfillment after ng magagawa namin—makikita namin silang masaya, makikita naming may hope na kaming mabibigay sa kanila. Also, yung influence namin sa ibang tao natulungan din yung same community na tinulungan namin or maghanap sila na pwede nilang tulungan, and mag-influence ng iba't-ibang tao." He noted.

Millo expressed that he felt a mixture of happiness, because of the things that they gave to the community while Christmas is fast approaching, and sadness due to the attachment they already have for them.

Philippine News Agency reported that reliable electricity access remains a privilege for some community despite many technological advancements in the society—Comm 2-B's initiative managed uplift the community; alleviating the people’s problem in clean and renewable electricity.