The European Union will be financing around 2.2 million euros to energize areas in Cebu, Bohol, and Palawan through solar-underpinned electrification projects.
These are three of the major island-grids in the country that are booming economically due to tourism and development of other industries.
The project will begin through the Project Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth (RELY),Project Renewable Energy for Livelihood and Youth (RELY), which is a recipient of the EU-Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (ASEP) initiative.
This is a program that targets to end “energy poverty” in the Philippines.
Three energy firms will be involved in the electrification project , namely German firm sequa gGmbH, Vivant Foundation, and PROCESS-Bohol.
Project RELY was chosen among 31 entries submitted to the EU-ASEP. RELY’s goal was to promote the use of renewable energy by providing energy supply to rural areas that are unserved/underserved for years.
It also aims to address the impact of climate change, particularly to vulnerable countries such as the Philippines.
The project aims to energize 16 off-grid public schools in the provinces covered by the electrification.
“The approach combines solar electrification with community development and improved vocational education by collaborating with partner senior high schools,” the project implementing entity was quoted in a Manila Bulletin report.
Vivant Foundation Executive Director Shem Jose Garcia said the EU grant will allow them not just to power communities without electricity but also to improve the curriculum.
“We plan all our projects to be detail-oriented, forward-looking and adaptable and we strongly feel that this project allows communities to live according to all three concepts.”
