Vivant Foundation, Inc. (VFI) has brought solar power to a remote school in Palawan, advancing another step in the country’s grander goal of electrifying the remaining last mile-communities.

The foundation turned over an 18.7-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar electrification system to Canipo Integrated School on Canipo island of Coron, providing the campus with a stable energy source for the first time.

The PHP 3.6 million is part of Project Liadlaw, the flagship initiative of the foundation. It was done in collaboration with Calamian Islands Power Corporation (CIPC), a subsidiary of Vivant Energy, as well as DepEd Schools Division Palawan.

Due to its isolated geographical location, the school used to rely on only either daytime light sources or unstable power supplies. This severely limits the school’s capability to teach its students. The new solar project is expected to end these factors by giving the area a stable source of electricity as well as access to digital tools- to further support learning. 

“Vivant goes where others hesitate,” said Eric Omamalin, President of CIPC. “Energizing last-mile areas has always been part of our mission. Projects like this help equalize opportunities to progress for all, especially for communities that are often beyond the reach of conventional power.”

Vivant maintains a foothold in the region of northern Palawan through CIPC and in mainland Palawan through Delta P, Inc.

The Canipo project is the 14th initiative of the foundation in the Coron islands as well as its second within the municipality. In 2024, the foundation also provided a literacy resource grant to the same school, complementing the electrification effort.

For school personnel the solar project meant much more than just an infrastructure upgrade.

“Our students have always had talent and potential,” said Canipo Integrated School Teacher-In-Charge Rosemarie Canenea. “What they needed was the opportunity to grow beyond the limits of our location. With this solar project, that potential can finally be liberated.”

As more institutions turn to renewable energy to reach underserved areas, how can last-mile electrification initiatives reshape access to education and opportunity in remote communities?

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