PORAC — Some 120 families belonging to an Aeta community in Sitio Pidpid here received solar-powered lanterns during an outreach program sponsored by Sunny Sonny Lantern and Orissa Garden of Wellness.

Sunny Sonny president Sergio Boero and Orissa Garden of Wellness owner Riza Lim led the distribution of the lights on Friday.

The collaborative project dubbed Adopt-a-Light campaign is aimed to provide lights to the residents of remote areas who do not have access to electricity.

According to Boero, the idea of the Sunny Sonny Story came out after Typhoon Yolanda devastated a great portion of the Philippines in 2011.

“It is an inflatable waterproof PVC cube with 10 LED lights powered by solar panels. Charge it under the sun for six to seven hours and it can be utilized for eight to 12 hours. It has a dim, bright and emergency light mode beneficial for fishermen, or men in search and rescue,” Boero explained.

Aside from the lanterns, blankets were also provided to the tribesmen by the benefactors.

Leaders of the tribal community expressed gratitude to Boero and Lim for selecting their community as beneficiary of the lighting program.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami kina Mam Riza at Sir Sergio ma kami ang binigyan nila dahil napakalaking bagay po ng ilaw para sa aming mga katutubo. May mga poste na po dito sa Sitio Pidpid pero wala pang kuryente kaya hirap kami lalo na tuwing gabi. Magagamit rin po namin ito sa pagpapaanak dahil kadalasan wala kaming pambili ng gas para sa gasera,” Donna Sibal Carlos, an official of the Aeta Community here, said.

“For those who want to make a difference, join our Adopt a Light family, together, let’s share a light to others,” Lim added.

Article from Sunstar