The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has partnered with the University of the Philippines Los Baños Foundation Inc. for the Green Spark Program, a project aimed at empowering communities through renewable technology.
The three-component project addresses the need for transportation and power source for the community even during calamities as it will develop renewable stand-alone technology fit to meet the needs of Barangay Macabud in Rodriguez, Rizal.
Macabud was selected as the pilot community since it has no source of electricity despite hosting two of NGCP’s transmission lines that serve a large bulk of Metro Manila’s power requirements.
The program has turned over an electric integrated solar and wind charging station to provide a power source; an electric hand tractor to boost agricultural production; and four electric tricycles to provide more mobility for the residents.
NGCP also partnered with the University of the Philippines (UP) to pursue a strategy to empower marginalized sectors of its host communities for skills training and livelihood programs.
Trainings include skills on bamboo and buri handicrafts; welding; sewing; baking; cooking; meat processing; food processing; cacao nursery; herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants gardening; micropoultry; bread making; clay pottery; vinegar making; and snack and dessert preparation.
The NGCP-UP Skills Camp has served 494 trainees in thirteen communities including Barangay San Gonzalo in Labrador, Pangasinan; Sampaloc 3 in Dasmariñas, Cavite; Nagtupacan in Sta. 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 been conducting medical missions and educational support in various communities hosting its operations.
