‘PAILAW’. Beneficiaries of the Sanayang Pailaw sa Daan prepare to install solar street lights in their community. Some 205 indigenous people have benefited from a training program on solar light assembly and installation held in the Mimaropa region, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said Tuesday (Jan. 12, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Alakdan Troopers and Department of Energy)
MANILA – Some 205 indigenous people (IP) have benefitted from an energy-related training program conducted in Mimaropa, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, the assigned Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for the region said Tuesday.
In a statement, Cusi said the Sanayang Pailaw sa Daan, a training program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) on solar light assembly and installation, has helped small communities in the region, which consists of the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, to have lights in their houses and streets.
“Street lights may seem trivial for some people, but in local communities, a lighted street means a secure environment for residents where people can move around more confidently, people can grow their livelihood in peace, and operate their business without fear. Homeowners can also sleep better,” he said.
Nationwide, the Sanayang Pailaw sa Daan has benefited 1,482 rebel returnees and 35,864 IPs, as well as more than 900 soldiers wounded in action and families of soldiers killed in action.
Cusi noted that the project supports the administration’s goal to achieve inclusive growth, alleviate poverty, economic sustainability, and security.
The beneficiaries’ new skill in solar light assembly and installations “helps local governments to implement health protocols better, as well as aids citizens and small businesses to be able to get back to the new normal under this pandemic,” he said.
The CORDS head for Mimaropa had a meeting with governors in the region last Friday, along with representatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, PNP Special Action Force, and regional directors and officers of national government agencies. (PNA)
