Conflict-affected IP Community benefits from Solar Electrification Project in Abra

Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija - The troops of the 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion, Philippine Army has installed at least 60 solar panels that benefited a conflict-affected Indigenous People’s Community in Sitio Batayan, Barangay Alangtin, Tubo, Abra on June 20, 2021.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sonny E. Gonzales, Commanding Officer of the 71IB, the activity was in line with the Solar Electrification Project dubbed as “Light of Peace Project” in collaboration with the One Arellano Builders, Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, and Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation Incorporated.

The troops installed a 1.2-kilowatt Electrification System that lighted 10 Solar street lights and 50 households of the Itnig IP community.

Itnig elder Julie Labawig expressed his gratitude to the troops of 71IB and to the other generous donors for making the project possible and bringing electricity to the community.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr., lauded the successful collaborative electrification project.

“Sa pamamagitan ng proyektong ito nabigyan natin ng ilaw ang mga kabahayan ng tribung Itnig na makatutulong sa pag-aaral ng mga bata sa gabi at magbibigay liwanag sa kanilang mga daanan. Patunay ito na sa pagkakaisa ng marami mas higit ang natutulungan,” said MGEN Rosario Jr.