A remote rural area in Siquijor province, which has not yet been reached by electric power services in Sitio Pilapil, Barangay Napo, San Juan, qualifies for Solar Power Technology Support.

The local office of the Department of Agrarian Reform following a survey conducted by DAR Central Office and the Department of Energy recently bared this. A consultation with the residents of Sitio Pilapil was held recently by DAR personnel headed by Chief AR Program Officer Elmer Bontia and General Manager Laureen Malolot of the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative, Inc.

San Juan town Mayor Edwin Quimno also attended the forum to get residents' feedback on the putting up a solar electrification project in their area.

SPOTS is an integrated social and agricultural project to compliment DAR's existing efforts in uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in remote areas with the use of photovoltaic energy systems, Bontia said.

The project aims to address rural poverty in the un-energized and off-grid Agrarian Reform Communities, increase rural productivity and promote livelihood, empower local ARCs and farmer organizations, and apply solar energy technology as the enabling technology for sustainable development, he added. The project package includes solar electrification (home lighting system), agri-business/agri-development (agri and potable water systems), and social support to community facilities (health center, school, barangay hall and communal lighting package).*RG

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