Thanks to free solar-powered lamps, hundreds of learners in Misamis Oriental can now extend their study time without burning the midnight oil.

Under the “Ilaw ng Pangarap Mo, Sagot Ko” project, the Department of Education (DepEd) Misamis Oriental Division has generated enough funds through various activities to provide solar-powered lamps in 368 homes that are either un-energized or are in remote and off-grid areas in Misamis Oriental.

According to DepEd Misamis Oriental Schools Division Superintendent Cherry Limbaco, division personnel and teachers organized a rummage sale and sold second-hand clothing and products. They also offered fresh vegetables and fruits at the Schools Division Office and at various schools. This fundraising campaign has lasted from October to December 2015.

The said project by DepEd Misamis Oriental Division is an offshoot of DepEd’s “One Child, One Lamp” campaign, which seeks to raise funds for the purchase of solar lamps that will then be distributed to students in off-grid areas.

“One Child, One Lamp” is a component of LightEd PH Campaign, an umbrella campaign also by DepEd, which provides solutions through conventional and alternative sources of energy to schools that have no power.

“Students in off-grid barangays have limited time to study at night.  Providing them electricity or solar lamps will help them extend their study time, thus increasing the chance to improve their academic performance,” said DepEd Undersecretary for Partnership and External Linkages Mario Deriquito.

As of School Year 2013-2014, there are at least 1,101,051 students who have limited access to technology due to unavailability of electricity

“The health of these students is also at risk from using kerosene lamps that emit harmful fumes, which is the only means for them to study at night,” Deriquito added.

‘Christmas gift’

The “Ilaw ng Pangarap Mo, Sagot Ko” project benefited 76 learners in Impadiding, Claveria; 38 learners in Lacbangan, Claveria; 101 learners in Malunsagay, Claveria; 92 learners in Kamansi, Lagonglong; 40 learners in Gumpot, Balingasag; and 21 learners in Lapu-lapu, Balingasag. In total, 368 solar-powered lamps were purchased with the profits from the said campaign.

Gracey Faith Masisti, a grade six pupil from Malunsagay Elementary School, said that she could now extend her study time until during the night because of her new solar-powered lamp. She expressed that it helps not only her schooling, but her family as well.

Masisti added that she is even more excited to study at home because it is brighter now with the help of the solar-powered lamp. “Salamat kaayo sa solar-powered lamp, isipon nako ug sa akong pamilya kini usa ka Christmas gift, amo gayud kining ampingan. Daghan kaayo salamat (I am very thankful for the solar powered lamp; my family and I think of it as a Christmas gift, and we will really take care of it. Thank you very much).”

Ramer Tangkal, another grade six pupil from Impadiding Elementary School said that, “mas ma-inspire pa gayud ko karon sa pag-study kay hayag na ang palibot ug mas maningkamot pa gayud ko aron makatibawas sa pag-skwela aron pud makatabang ko sa ako pamilya (I’m even more inspired now to study because it is brighter and I will work harder to improve my schooling so that I can help my family).”