DAR P6.3-M solar power project handed over to remote villages

DAR Agusan Del Norte (August 7) -- Remotest Tribal Barangay Lawan-Lawan and Sitio Subait in Brgy. Bonifacio of Las Nieves Municipality in the province of Agusan del Norte are recipients of Php6.3 Million Solar Power Project turned-over last August 1 & 2, 2008.

Signing of hand-over documents headed by the SPOTS Project Manager from DAR Central Office, Mr. Reuben T. Quejas, DAR Regional Director Felix B. Aguhob who is in Europe, was represented by CARPO SSD Antonio Miso with PARO II Andre B. Atega of DAR Provincial Office, handed it over to Municipal Mayor Reinario P. Rosales through the two POs (Lawan-lawan Mapawa Farmers Association & Kahugpungan sa Katawhan sa Subait Association).

Coordination work to ensure an impressive event is not an easy task. MARO Teresita P. Estrella and staff of Las Nieves performed an excellent job and ensuring the necessary preparations for the successful conduct of the activity.

Hon. Mayor Reinario P. Rosales emphasized that the solar power project which was implemented by DAR's Solar Power Technology Support to Agrarian Reform Communities is a great help to the residents of the said areas because they can now start to engage in various livelihood activities, thus increasing their productivity and income. Also their children would not be having difficulty in studying their lessons.

These two areas are now the latest recipients of a Solar Power Technology Support Program (SPOTS) of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Previously, under SPOTS I Sitios Lomboyan, Balatacan & Langanlangan of Guinabsan, Buenavista; Sitio Matingue, Casagayan, Pangaylan & Cadahondahonan of Poblacion 1, Santiago; Brgy Libas, Purok 2B of Baleguian, Hinagdanan, Comagascas Bongongon of Brgy. Del Pilar; Brgy Maningalao & Lingayao of Las Nieves; Alicapawan, Aclan of Nasipit; and Townsite, Poblacion of Magallanes were provided with Solar Projects worth Php57,355,914.00.

Most residents in Tribal Brgy. Lawan-lawan & Sitio Subait are Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). Recently, the SHS is providing light to the homes for 18 hrs daily. It also powers the Barangay Hall, Barangay Health Center, Schools & Chapel. Communal Street Lighting supplies the power to streets for 12 hours from 6pm to 6am.

Mr. Moore Migdoyan, Tribal Brgy. Captain of Lawan-lawan said, "Children can study very well, they can play at night, sing & dance while the farmers do the talking and chatting on the updates of the farm."

Tribal Brgy Lawan-Lawan is one of the five Barangays comprising MAPCOLA ARC while Sitio Subait of Brgy Bonifacio is one of the three Barangays comprising KATIMALIBON ARC.

These areas could not be included in the government's grid-power electrification program due to terrain and road conditions and distance. The said areas covered by SPOTS program are surrounded by mountains. Sitio Subait can only be reached by two kilometers walking while Tribal Brgy. Lawan-Lawan hardly be reached by public utility vehicle due to difficulty in accessibility because of its terrain. (DAR-ADN/Gil E. Miranda) [top]