Delivering solar power to Philippines' remote regions is Jovie Montajes' approach for reducing natural disasters impacts
In the heart of the Philippines, a grassroots movement called Light of Hope Philippines is making strides in providing affordable and sustainable access to clean energy. Founded by Jovie Gil Montajes, the organization has been instrumental in deploying solar energy solutions in remote coastal areas, with a strong emphasis on long-term sustainability, local capacity building, and environmental responsibility.
Montajes' inspiration for Light of Hope stems from his personal experiences of electricity shortages during his childhood and witnessing communities without access to electricity during team-building activities. His invention, the Solar Cloud Grid project, consists of portable mini-solar kits that can power two LED bulbs and charge four mobile phones in one day. These solar kits are seen as a safer alternative to kerosene lamps and costly diesel generators used in remote areas.
Through repairs and maintenance, over 100 kilograms of e-waste have been recovered, ensuring environmental sustainability. The organization maintains the units it distributes, as they were designed and built by the organization itself.
Light of Hope differentiates itself from other solar energy social enterprises by focusing on long-term sustainability and circular economy. The organization has trained local community members, such as fishermen and youth, to maintain units. In addition, they aim to provide scholarships for these individuals to return to school.
The organization's work has been supported by a grant of US$5,000 in a competition backed by a nonprofit in 2021, and secured their biggest funding to date, of US$250,000, two years later. These funds have allowed them to implement and sustain solar energy solutions in remote coastal areas, while also paying a salary to seven staff members, including Montajes himself.
The impact of these renewable energy installations is significant. For instance, in Surigao, Mindanao, Light of Hope distributed solar cloud grid kits to 1,229 families, reducing 153 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy is a crucial step in curbing emissions, slowing ocean warming, and ultimately lessening the intensity and destructiveness of typhoons, according to research.
However, there is a long waiting list for solar units, and the organization struggles to meet the demand. Despite this, Montajes remains inspired by his family's support and the positive impact on the communities he serves. His children have visited various island communities as part of their work with Light of Hope.
By 2030, Light of Hope aims to deploy 5,000 more solar units, reducing around 650 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year. The organization has local community champions and administrative assistants, ensuring a strong presence in the communities they serve.
Light of Hope Philippines' funding comes primarily from small grants and international donations, which have facilitated grassroots solar energy deployment with a strong emphasis on sustainability, local capacity building, and environmental responsibility, advancing their goals of renewable energy adoption and carbon emissions reduction in Philippine rural communities.
[1] Sources: Light of Hope Philippines' official website and various news articles.
- Light of Hope Philippines, an organization focusing on renewable energy, has been instrumental in deploying solar energy solutions in remote coastal areas, prioritizing long-term sustainability and local capacity building.
- Jovie Gil Montajes, the founder of Light of Hope, draws inspiration from his personal experiences and his invention, the Solar Cloud Grid project, offers a safer alternative to kerosene lamps and diesel generators.
- The organization has recovered over 100 kilograms of e-waste through repairs and maintenance, promoting environmental sustainability.
- Light of Hope distinguishes itself from other solar energy social enterprises by emphasizing long-term sustainability, circular economy, and education for local communities.
- The organization's work has been impactful, reducing 153 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions in Surigao, Mindanao, and aims to deploy 5,000 more solar units by 2030 to further reduce emissions.
- Funding for Light of Hope comes mainly from small grants and international donations, supporting grassroots solar energy adoption, and carbon emissions reduction in Philippine rural communities.
- Despite the long waiting list for solar units and the struggle to meet demand, the organization remains motivated by the positive impact on communities and the support from family members, including Montajes' children.
