Over P2.2 million worth of rooftop solar panels for the electrification of Gamot Integrated School in Sitio Gamot, Barangay Sta. Filomena, Quezon, Bukidnon were installed by Vivant Energy through its retail electricity unit, Corenergy, in partnership with Vivant Foundation (VFI).

The project was implemented in collaboration with Bukidnon Power Corporation (BPC) and North Bukidnon Power Corporation (NBPC), as a part of Vivant Energy’s response to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) call for private sectors to aid the transition of the educational landscape in the country.

The project is a significant milestone for VFI, its Executive Director Shem Jose Garcia highlighted, as it marked the first mountain school and the second Indigenous People (IP) community to benefit from the foundation’s solar energization program. The project is part of Project Liadlaw, one of VFI’s broader efforts to address the digital divide and provide essential services to off-grid communities.

According to Brgy. Sta. Filomena chairman Ferdinand Silvestre, the VFI’s grant would contribute towards keeping more students inside classrooms.

“Before the installation of the solar panels from Vivant, it would take the whole day for our students to reach the town proper to access electricity. The situation back then was really challenging which led to students not pursuing education,” said Silvestre.

“Finally we are graced by this opportunity. We are beyond grateful for this project which will pave the way for our learners to have access to e-learning materials and make their education more effective,” he added.

The installed solar panels generate 12.1 kilowatt peak (kWp) of electricity, providing sufficient supply to power Gamot Integrated School throughout an entire day.