Sunrise of Change: Sindangan FACOMA's Solar Energy Initiative

In the municipality of Sindangan, a commitment towards sustainable development shines brightly. Sindangan FACOMA (Farmer Cooperative Marketing Association) Community Multi-Purpose Cooperative, a co-operative established in 1956 with humble beginnings, has emerged as a leader in environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Over its 67-year history, it has transformed from a modest group of 200 members into a thriving co-operative serving 9,410 individuals.

At the heart of this transformation lies a dedication to innovation and sustainability, exemplified by their recent transition to solar power energy. Gundino G. Omos, the Chairperson of Sindangan Facoma, reflects on their co-op’s journey towards sustainability with pride. He recounts how the adoption of solar power energy has revolutionized their operations, drastically reducing electricity bills and ensuring uninterrupted service even during power outages.

“All of our buildings are solar-powered, thus reducing our electric bills by 75% because of solar power,” Gundino Omos proudly states, highlighting the tangible benefits reaped from this eco-friendly initiative.

The decision to embrace solar power was catalyzed by the visionary leadership of Atty. Dexter Patron and the collaboration with Engr. Shean Michael Costelo, a Canadian national with strong ties to the Sindangan community. Their foresight, coupled with the support of the co-operative’s board of directors, paved the way for a sustainable future.

Omos shares plans to promote agroforestry practices, such as planting Cacao and Rubber trees, to combat droughts and enhance carbon sequestration.

“To help mitigate climate change, Sindangan FACOMA has taken action by regularly planting trees. Recognizing that simply planting trees was not enough as the trees they planted often died, they replaced it with a tree growing activity.”

These goals are not only held by one person but extend to its members and employees such as Rolly Daet, the General Manager of Sindangan Facoma.

The journey towards sustainability does not end with solar power. Sindangan Facoma envisions a future where electric vehicles powered by renewable energy roam the streets.

“We also propose to harness rainwater for watering plants and toilet use,” Daet said.

As a co-operative deeply rooted in the community, its impact extends far beyond financial transactions. By championing environmental care and protection, Sindangan Facoma exemplifies the transformative potential of collective action in addressing pressing global challenges.

Daet declared: “The co-op is powered by its members, it is a collective organization that whenever it has a program it would affect a large portion of the community; therefore, the co-op really has a bigger impact in addressing environmental issues and more particularly the promotion of environmental care and protection.”

Through ongoing upgrades and partnerships with environmentalist groups, the co-operative strives to be a catalyst for positive change in Sindangan and beyond.

As they continue to harness the power of innovation and collaboration, Sindangan FACOMA stands as a shining example of how grassroots initiatives can drive meaningful progress towards a more inclusive and sustainable future.