By Helen Castaño | 07:48 PM February 22, 2024
Ireneo Penarejo is living his whole life with no potable water and electricity.
He has to fetch water in nearby streams and brooks for drinking and washing.
“Lisud kaayo among kahimtang diri,” said the 69-year-old farmer Penarejo who is also the chairman of the Sitio Taytay Farmers Association.
Penarejo’s household is one among many in sitio Mahayahay in Barangay Montesuerte in Carmen town, that will benefit from a wind-solar powered battery system financed by initiated by Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya Inc. (Sibat) and MISEREOR in collaboration with the provincial and local government units as well as various organizations such as GlobalGiving, Anakata Wind Power Resources, and the Centre for Neighbourhood Studies.
Penarejo and his neighbors witnessed the groundbreaking for wind-solar powered water projects on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
The event was attended by Gov. Aris Aumentado, Carmen Mayor Che Toribio-Delos Reyes and Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, village officials and stakeholders.
Residents welcomed the officials, saying Aumentado was the first governor who visited their remote place.
“We are embarking on a journey towards self-reliance for our communities. What we are doing today is harnessing the power of nature to secure a future where access to clean water and household light is no longer a luxury but a constant presence,” said Aumentado.
Renewable energy technology, specifically Small Wind Turbines, will be utilized in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Montesuerte, Carmen, to meet the community’s needs for irrigation, potable water, and household lighting.
It will generate a minimum of 5kW power to pump and disinfect at least 125 liters of water per person per day, satisfy irrigation requirements, and provide lighting for up to three bulbs in each household.
This initiative is designed to support 28 households, addressing both their domestic and agricultural water needs effectively.
Aumentado also gave his support to the project to start improving the road for easy transportation of materials to be used. It will also use heavy equipment in the office if necessary.
“Today, we lay the foundation for not just infrastructure but hope. Our partnership with key environmental and technological organizations will lead Carmen into a new era of progress,” said Mayor Conchita Toribio Delos Reyes.
Penarejo was overjoyed that water and light will come soon in July.
“Nalipay ko kaayo kay makatilaw nami og tubig ug kuryente sa among lugar. Salamat kaayo nga natagad nami,” he said.
The project, powered by a combination of solar and wind energy, showcase a forward-thinking approach to community development and environmental stewardship.
Sitio Banat-e
Residents in Sitio Banat-e in Barangay San Jose in Mabini town will soon have water and electricity.
The project aims to optimize 32 hectares for agriculture with solar-powered water pumps to tackle irrigation water scarcity. This will enable continuous farming, potentially doubling the income of NaMaSaJo members, and ensure access to potable and domestic water for those living nearby.
“Today marks a milestone. We are not only breaking ground but also breaking the cycle of water scarcity that has hindered our growth for decades,” said Mayor Ongie Bernales-Lim of Mabini.
Estrella Catarata, Sibat Executive Director, emphasized the long-term benefits of the undertaking.
“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we align our efforts with the principles of sustainability. By investing in renewable energy, we ensure that our resources are utilized responsibly, guaranteeing that future generations will inherit a greener and more prosperous Bohol, ” she said.
With the capacity-building measures in place, the communities of Carmen and Mabini are setting a precedent for other provinces to follow, showcasing the transformative power of renewable energy in rural development.
