The Provincial Government of Pangasinan has launched a project to promote access to solar energy in farthest barangays known as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).

Through “Project Liwawa”, Barangay Lawak Langka in Mangatarem formally received three solar lights on February 24.

Project Liwawa is one of the projects of Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino III that aims to illuminate far-flung barangays in the province by using renewable energy through solar lights to reduce the effect of climate change.

As the chairman of Provincial Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), the project was also designed to strengthen the security of the province to maintain its insurgency-free status.

“Ang intensyon po nito ay magbigay liwanag, tulong, serbisyo at katahimikan sa barangay,“ said Urbiztondo former Vice Mayor Haidee S. Pacheco on behalf of Gov. Espino.

Three solar lights were built at Sitio Patal, Sitio Balasi, and in front of  Lawak Langka Brgy. Hall.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office Rhodyn Luchinvar Oro bared that through the project, the province of Pangasinan shows and gives importance to the help and contribution of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) who are living in remote and isolated areas of the province.

“Thank you for the inclusion of IPs in this program dahil karamihan sa aming mga kasama sa mga tribu ay nasa GIDA talaga kaya itong Project Liwawa ng provincial government ay marami ang makikinabang,” said National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Provincial Director Enrique Delos Santos, Jr as he extolled his gratitude to Gov. Espino for not setting aside the welfare of the IP community.

Also, Barangay Captain Jason Sereno praised Gov. Espino for choosing Lawak Langka as the first barangay to receive such a project.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo dahil isa ang barangay natin na Lawak Langka sa napili ng ama ng Pangasinan na si Gob. Espino na pagdalhan ng proyekto,” he said.

Simultaneously with the launch of the project, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) provided 200 seedlings of sweet tamarind, narra, cashew, and mahogany, and a knapsack sprayer for the barangay.

Some 50 residents underwent Modified Mobile Skills Training Project of the Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO) to learn basic carpentry and electrical troubleshooting, while frontline workers received rubbing alcohol and vitamins. PDRRMO staff are scheduled to return next week to teach disaster preparedness training.

The Provincial Government targets to erect two to three solar lights in 16 identified far-flung barangays, particularly in Eastern and Western Part of Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, commander of Philippine Army 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion LtCol. Eugene Henry Cabusao also graced the event.

/Lynette Iris A. Paed