LUNA, Apayao – Twelve barangays in Conner will soon be enjoying free electricity through the installation of solar panels which shall generate power from the sun, aiding them to perform duties and tasks requiring electricity.
Many buildings that were provided with solar panels included the barangay halls and daycare centers.
The installation of solar panels is made possible by the assistance of Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) through the benevolence of Mapua University’s Office for Social Orientation and Community Involvement Program.
The installation was done during the launching of the energy conservation services in Conner, Apayao on August 9, 2024.
The twelve barangays benefiting from the energy conservation services and free solar panels from the Mapua University were Barangays Allangigan, Karikitan, Buluan, Calafug, Guinaang, Manag, Ili, Guinamgamman, Malama, Cupis, Nabungan, and Puguin.
Before the installation, the Mapua University staff gave orientation to barangay captains and their people.
This initiative is associated with the regional local peace engagement activities of the OPAPRU, designed to provide energy in times of calamities.
The OPAPRU also said the move promotes environmental preservation by using renewable energy sources helping communities minimize dependence on non-renewable sources, thereby contributing to global efforts to alleviate climate change.
In response to the effort, Captain Edwardo Odon of barangay Guinamgamman expressed his gratitude to the Mapua University staff saying, “Agyamanak kadagiti taga Mapua ta nangipaay da iti solusyon ti kanayun nga blackout ti koryente. Ken maysa pay bumaba pay ti bayadan min nga koryente.”
Mapua University initiated and funded this program amounting to ₱695,000 with each set of solar panels costing 25,000 pesos. ₱525,000.00 went to the installation and others to operating expenses of about ₱170,000.
There are 21 OPAPRU’s peace and development focus areas in Apayao, specifically there are 12 in Conner, Pudtol (6), Sta. Marcela (2), and Kabugao (1). By Loremia Pareja
