Radiate light, spark hope
In some parts of the country, millions of Filipinos have been living their lives and doing their backbreaking chores amid darkness. Their houses are only lighted by kerosene lamps that are fire-prone, dangerous and deadly. The fuel for these kerosene lamps grabs a portion of their meager income and threatens their health because of hazardous chemicals emitted from it.
The absence of electricity will no longer be a problem to almost 3,000 families covered by Cherry Mobile’s “Cosmic Light of Hope” project. This was first launched in five provinces in December 2016 to light up isolated communities that are yet to be reached by electric power. The leading local mobile phone brand ventured to farflung communities in the country to hand over solar lanterns. So far, the project has already reached Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Guimaras, Aklan, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Sultan Kudarat, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Biliran and Bohol.
Beneficiaries of the Cosmic Light of Hope project will no longer have to use kerosene lamps or candles as they now have solar lanterns, which they can recharge during daytime, and use them in the evening for their nightly chores. Most importantly, through these lanterns, students can now study at extended hours after nightfall while their parents can continue with their household chores, or extend several hours in tending their livelihood that will translate to additional income and meet their basic needs. The solar lanterns can also be utilized outside the house as barangay officers can now safely take rounds within the community with a reliable lantern on hand to ensure security and safety of their area.
The “Cosmic Light of Hope” solar lanterns are being distributed alongside two of Cherry Mobile’s corporate social responsibility projects — the Be Cool in School and 12 Gifts of Christmas. This project is done in coordination with the Department of Education, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Provincial Social Welfare and Development offices, local government units, Sparklight Company and Cherry Mobile dealers.