PALAWAN – On March 31, 2025, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) MIMAROPA witnessed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing between the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sofronio Española with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Philippines to strengthen the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) through the All-Lights Village Project.
Prior to the MOA signing, GPF had already launched a successful lighting initiative in January, in partnership with the Department.
According to the latest results of the program’s Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI), only 82 out of 3,456 household beneficiaries in the municipality or about two percent, still have no access to electricity.
All-Lights Village Project is a flagship program of GPF, aims to bring renewable energy solutions and community development programs to off-grid areas.
“Many indigenous families in Sofronio Española continue to live without electricity, which affects their education, livelihood, and daily life. To help address this, we at the Global Peace Foundation Philippines and Bless Microfinance Corporation launched this effort to provide sustainable solutions,” said Executive Director Leonard Faustino.
In Barangay Pulot Interior, 65 4Ps households in Sitio Sincab received solar lanterns, while 10 solar street lights were installed, and 35 beneficiaries in Sitio Suked also received solar lanterns.
“Nadagdagan ang liwanag ng aming bahay, nadugtungan pa ang oras ng pag-aaral ng aking anak lalo na tuwing gabi,” shared En-En L. Suanque, a 4Ps Parent Leader from Sincab.
On April 2, GPF also turned over two generator sets out of five to Sincab Elementary School to support power supply and expand alternative learning opportunities. The school currently has 45 monitored children enrolled under the 4Ps program.
“Malaking tulong sa amin ang bagong generator set para sa makabagong paraan ng pagtuturo, gaya ng paggamit ng telebisyon bilang visual aid na dati ay hindi kayang suportahan ng solar panels. Malaking tulong ito sa paghubog ng kinabukasan ng mga bata,” said school in-charge Mymona Kasim.
The partnership between LGU Sofronio Española, Global Peace Foundation Philippines, and DSWD shared a goal to bring light, hope, opportunity, and sustainable development to geographically, isolated, and disadvantaged communities.
“Access to energy is not just about electricity. It is about opportunity, dignity, and progress. This initiative directly supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all,” said Leonardo Reynoso, DSWD MIMAROPA Regional Director.
The Department further lauded the partner’s commitment to reach and improve the quality of life of program beneficiaries.
“By lighting up homes and schools, we are also lighting the path toward a better future for every 4Ps family and community in Palawan,” added Reynoso. ###
Contributor: Ian Dexter Domdom, Municipal Link, Sofronio Española, Palawan
