A SHINING EXAMPLE: THE JOURNEY OF ZCGEMPCO’S SOLAR LAMPS PROJECT

The Zamboanga City Government Employees Multipurpose Cooperative (ZCGEMPCO) stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the remarkable power of community collaboration to address the pressing call for environmental stewardship. Through their transformative Solar Lamps Project, they have not only diminished their carbon footprint but have also elevated the quality of life for their cherished members.

“I am fully aware that there are barangays here in Zamboanga City that do not have electricity, and during one of our meetings, I came up with the idea of providing solar lamps to the communities that do not have any electricity at all,” shares Leonor Arebalo Aison, the dynamic manager of ZCGEMPCO.

She passionately continues: “One reason for the project is to help improve the peace and order in the city. By putting solar lamps around dark areas, we could maybe at least help eradicate illegal activities.”

In the year 2021, the co-operative took its first step by procuring 100 solar lamps, thoughtfully distributing 50 in Tulungatong and the remaining 50 in Azcuna. Within a year, their commitment to progress was further illuminated when a dedicated teacher from Sta. Fe Elementary School reached out for support, requesting a solar panel to power a computer and printer for their school.

Hand in hand with fellow co-operatives in the region, ZCGEMPCO led the charge in donating solar panels and lamps to numerous underserved areas. Aison shares the heartwarming financial aspect, saying: “The budget came from Community Development Funds and this project was also in collaboration with the Zamboanga City Cooperative Development Council. We solicited funds coming from different co-operatives in Zamboanga and out of the pulled funds, we were able to procure solar lamps and panels.”

The utilization of solar lamps has surged in recent years as the world embraces the significance of renewable energy sources. The installation of these solar gems not only enriched the lives of co-operative members but also radiated positivity throughout the wider community.

However, the advantages of the Solar Lamps Project extend far beyond the economic spectrum. These luminous creations have positively impacted the health and well-being of community members, offering not only a safer but also a consistently brighter source of light.

“We, as co-op leaders, should continue to address climate change because you know here in Zamboanga City, we experienced flooding for the first time in October 2022,” Aison reflects with determination.

“We have to continue planning and implementing programs that are good for the environment, such as planting trees and clean-up drives. Anything for the environment and for as long as our co-op could help and provide, we really give attention and time to it.”

The adoption of solar lamps has remarkably reduced the community’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources, thereby making a significant stride towards combatting climate change. This holds particular significance in the Philippines, a nation acutely vulnerable to the far-reaching impacts of climate change.

Medella Vilas, President of Azcuna Homeowners Association Inc. in Barangay Mercedes, a resettlement area in Zamboanga City, exudes gratitude and relief for the arrival of solar lamps in their community. 

“ “We would like to thank the co-ops so much for providing us with these solar panels,” Vilas rejoices. “It did not only help in providing light on our streets but also shedding light on our livelihoods.”

The homeowners earnestly encourage fellow co-operatives to follow in the exemplary footsteps of ZCGEMPCO, extending light to households with limited or nonexistent access to electricity.

Vilas adds with warmth: “I want to thank them big for seeing us as one of the communities deserving of their help and services. A lot of the members here are thankful for the help they have provided and I will be their voice in thanking the co-operative.”

ZCGEMPCO’s Solar Lamps Project serves as an inspiring model for communities around the globe to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of environmental protection. Through unity and harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources, communities cannot only enhance their own quality of life but also lay the foundation for a sustainable future for all.