Board Member Ariston Arzaga has urged the provincial government to allocate funds to provide solar-powered lighting to the indigenous community not connected to the mainland grid, primarily to improve youth education.
Arzaga proposed the resolution, calling the attention of the provincial government of Palawan through the Local Finance Committee to provide funding for solar power lighting.
He stated that the youth in some indigenous communities attending basic education lack electricity in their homes, which hinders their ability to do schoolwork at night.
“Nalungkot ako sa pag-ikot ko ng mga elementary schools na nag-invite sa akin. Makikita mo ang mga katutubo na nag-aaral, napuntahan ko ang Raang Elementary School sa Brooke’s Point, nasa 150 ang mga students doon from Grade 1 to 6, 98% mga katutubo. Maiiyak ka, ang sabi nila ‘Wala po kaming ilaw, paano po kami makakapag-aral sa gabi?'” Arzaga said.
Arzaga also explained that gas lamps are not convenient due to the high price of gas and concerns about carbon emissions that can cause illnesses.
“Pag kingki naman, hindi nila kaya ang presyo ng gas plus yung carbon, magkakaroon ka ng asthma, mga sakit sa lungs, hindi rin natin ine-encourage so mas mabuti kung may mga ganito na mabibigay ang ating gobyerno. Matutuwa ka na ang mga bata nag-aaral ngayon,” he said.
