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RESIDENTS of the remote village of Matmad in Nagtipunan town, Quirino province, will soon benefit from a solar electrification project implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Under a memorandum of agreement, the project implementation of a solar electrification project called “Liwanag sa Dilim” (Light in the Darkness) will be funded through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program.
DOST-Quirino provincial director Rocela Angelica Gorospe said the project aims to “empower geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) through the application of science, technology and innovation.”
“The project will not only provide electricity at night but also serve as a symbol of hope, opening doors to greater opportunities in education, agriculture, and livelihood,” Gorospe said.
“This inspired us at DOST to bring the benefits and comfort that science and technology offer to your community.”
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Gorospe explained that a photovoltaic or solar power system will be installed to meet the residents’ daily electricity needs and help uplift their quality of life.
The project also provides funding to support livelihood initiatives that are community-based.
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Meanwhie, Col. Paul Gamido, director of the Quirino Police Provincial Office, emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining the project’s facilities.
“As a key partner of the DOST in implementing the project, let us work together to sustain it,” said Gamido, who also urged residents to take good care of the facility, ensuring its longevity and effectiveness in serving the community.
He noted that by working together, the police and the community can help guarantee peace and security in the area, allowing the project to achieve its goals and benefit the people of Quirino.
Matmad Barangay Captain Benny Nangitoy extended his heartfelt thanks for the project, stating that it has brought renewed hope and promise to their community, which has long been facing struggles.
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Expressing his appreciation for the positive impact it will have on their lives, Nangitoy said the project has given them a sense of optimism and a brighter future.
Barangay Matmad, a mountainous and off-grid village, poses significant logistical challenges, said Gorospe.
The village is accessible only through arduous means, requiring over two days of hiking or utilizing traditional transportation methods such as carabao-pulled carts and boats, underscoring the community’s resilience.
