Date Created: October 21, 2015
Last February 12, 2015, Schneider Electric Foundation under the aegis of the Fondation de France and Schneider Electric Philippines (SEPHIL) partnered with Gawad Kalinga for the implementation of the emergency electrification and rebuilding projects for the benefit of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) survivors in the Philippines.
One of the objectives of the partnership is to provide Energy Access Solutions to Typhoon Haiyan affected areas in the Visayas by distributing 3,000 solar home lighting systems as emergency electrification intervention in Gawad Kalinga villages. To ensure sustainability, trainings on solar home lighting systems installation and maintenance are needed for the solar advocates and GK Kapitbahayan (homeowners).
With the support of Schneider Electric Foundation and the donation of Schneider Electric employees from more than 20 countries, SEPHIL and Gawad Kalinga was able to complete the series of solar home lighting systems installation and maintenance trainings in three main provinces.
ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ – Over 50 participants from Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental attended the Solar Home Lighting Systems Installation and Maintenance Training last August 15, 2015. The training comprised of a lecture on the use of solar home lighting systems (Do’s and Don’ts) and solar energy (How it works) and hands-on activity. It was very evident that day the interest and excitement showed by the solar advocates and GK Kapitbahayan as they listened intently to the lecture and participated actively in the hands-on activity. They also expressed their gratitude to Schneider Electric as they consider these solar lamps as a big help to them.
Gab Jover (from SEPHIL) and Dan Purzuelo (from IPHF Renewables) provided the lecture
and hands-on training to the participants.
“First of all, we would like to thank Schneider Electric for giving us the opportunity to have solar lamps that we can use as a source of light. This is a big help to us because we still use kerosene and it’s very difficult for our kids who are studying at night. Because of the solar lamps, we’ll already have a source of light and it will be easier for us to do household chores at night and our kids will be able to study properly. Thank you very much,” says Aileen Brillantes, GK Kapitbahayan.
BANILAD, CEBU CITY – Students of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) of the University of San Carlos in Cebu City attended the Solar Home Lighting Systems Installation and Maintenance Training last August 29, 2015. These volunteer students will serve as the solar advocates who will provide training to the GK Kapitbahayan on how to use and maintain the solar home lighting systems.
Gab Jover (from SEPHIL) provided the lecture and hands-on training
to the ECE students of University of San Carlos.
ORMOC CITY, LEYTE – Over 50 participants from Leyte, Eastern Samar and Samar attended the Solar Home Lighting Systems Installation and Maintenance Training last September 12, 2015. This last leg completed the series of trainings on solar home lighting systems installation and maintenance. To cap off the trainings and express their gratitude, the GK Eastern Visayas team prepared a Certificate of Appreciation for Schneider Electric Foundation for providing Energy Access Solutions to the Typhoon Haiyan survivors. “From the bottom of our hearts, DAGHANG SALAMAT Schneider Electric Foundation for the Solar Home Kits,” a message from the GK Kapitbahayan Eastern Visayas.
Cyril Gepanayao (from IPHF Renewables) provided the lecture
and hands-on training to the participants
Team GK Leyte (led by Tito Boboy Igot) prepared a Certificate of Appreciation for Schneider Electric Foundation
for providing Energy Access Solutions to Typhoon Haiyan Survivors.
With the completion of the emergency electrification intervention, the partnership is set to move forward to the next phase. Through the generosity of Schneider Electric Foundation, the partnership will likewise provide funding for the purchase of a microgrid solution that will benefit an off-grid community. The objective is still to provide Energy Access Solutions but this time through the village electrification intervention.
To find out more about Schneider Electric’s advocacy on access to energy, please visit www.schneiderelectric.com.ph.
Gawad Kalinga is not a charity, rather, it's an organization that aims to end poverty by building empowered and productive communities. This would not be possible without the partners who have journeyed with us in changing the lives of others. Like Schneider Electric, you too can be a hero to the poorest of the poor and partner with us in making sure that no one is left behind. Find out how you can help #endpoverty today. Walang Iwanan!
About Schneider Electric
As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in Utilities & Infrastructure, Industries & Machines Manufacturers, Non-residential Building, Data Centres & Networks and in Residential. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, efficient, productive and green, the Group's 150,000 plus employees achieved sales of 31 billion US dollars in 2013, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations make the most of their energy.
www.schneider-electric.com