Solar para sa Sitio (Help provide Solar Power to the Community of Sitio Payong)

Have you been to the Philippines? If you have ever passed through an area between Tumana and Loyola Quezon City there is a Sitio where families are living without electricity for decades. This project is started so these families can have solar power, so they can have light at night and their children can study.

For $100, a family can be provided a solar electric fan for ventilation of infants especially at night. For $30, solar light can be provided to help their children’s studies. The longer-term goal is to provide the families with solar home systems ($600) so they can have electricity, free from gasoline costs, sickness and pollution brought by current use of gasoline generators.

Enchong is one of the residents of Sitio Payong. Enchong (nickname for Lorenzo) is a vegetable vendor. A little over 5 years ago, Enchong started selling his vegetables, root crops and fruits in our neighborhood. He uses his bicycle with a sidecar to sell from morning and does odd jobs in the afternoon to support his family. He is a father of 4 children. That he is hardworking and takes on additional jobs as repairman and overall handyman to earn extra income is an understatement.

We learned from Enchong that Sitio Payong does not have electricity. Several families depend on fossil-fuel generators which cost the families an arm and a leg. In addition, daily use of petroleum generators exposes the families in the small community to pollution and other health hazards. Imagine several close households turning their generators on every night.

A friend learned about solar generators and we brought up the idea to Enchong. He was elated! In no time, Enchong was testing the solar generator in his house to see if it can provide sufficient power for him and his children at night.

They have now decreased their use of their gas generator, gaining his family some savings. The solar generator is able to support Enchong’s family with lighting and electric fan during the night.

We want more families in Sitio Payong to receive the benefits of solar energy. We want to provide the solar generators and solar panels to the families so they can earn a living and their children can study.

We are targeting to help an additional 20 families, with a budget of $600 for the solar generators and solar panel system for each family, hence, we are raising $12,000 in this campaign: 1) $450 for solar generator fabrication and shipping 2) $100 for solar panel (100 Watts), cables, screws, tapes and sundries 3) $50 for logistics and transportation

Here is a chance to make a profound difference in the lives of the families of Sitio Payong. This is an opportunity to support the likes of Enchong, gain the eternal gratitude of the families, and have a warm welcome when you come visit the Philippines.

To know more about the project and the team behind, visit www.facebook.com/EnergyExchangePh/.