NGCP teams up with UPLB to empower villages with RE

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has partnered with University of the Philippines Los Baños Foundation Inc. (UPLBFI) to develop a program that will empower communities through renewable energy (RE).

NGCP, under its Green Spark Program, and UPLBFI will develop renewable, stand-alone technology, tailor-fit to meet the specific needs of Barangay Macabud, Rodriguez, Rizal, which has no source of electricity.

They are developing a three-component program that aims to addresses the need for transportation and power source for the community, even during calamities.

NGCP recently turned over one electric-integrated solar and wind charging station, one electric hand tractor with cargo trailer and four electric tricycles to the unenergized community. The charging station will provide a renewable source of electricity. The tractor will allow the community to boost agricultural production, and the e-vehicles will provide more mobility for the residents.

The community, with over 10,000 residents, relies heavily on agriculture. During the rainy season, the dirt roads and rolling terrain make it difficult for farmers to transport their harvest.

NGCP, in partnership with the University of the Philippines, recently pursued a strategy to empower marginalized sectors of its host communities with opportunities for self-reliance, focusing on skills training and livelihood programs.

Under this program, the following activities were undertaken: skills on bamboo and buri handicrafts; welding; sewing; baking; cooking; meat processing; food processing; cacao nursery; herbs, vegetables and ornamental plants gardening; micro poultry; bread making; clay pottery; vinegar making; and snack and dessert preparation.

The NGCP-UP Skills Camp has, so far, served 494 trainees in 13 communities, benefiting communities like Barangay San Gonzalo in Labrador, Pangasinan; Sampaloc 3 in Dasmariñas, Cavite; Nagtupacan in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; Barangay 4 Quinale in Paete, Laguna; Hilusig in Mahaplag, Leyte; Bankas Heights in Toril, Davao City; and Balsik in Hermosa, Bataan.

NGCP has also been conducting medical missions and educational support in various communities hosting its operations.