Bogo residents get solar bulbs

CEBU, Philippines - "Thank you for giving us light."

Francisca Katarig, 78, a resident of  Daan Lungsod, Barangay Odlot, Bogo City expressed her gratitude to Maybank through its project H.E.A.R.T. in partnership with One Million Lights Philippines (OML PH) for giving them a solar-powered light bulb.

Katarig, one of the 50 recipients, told The FREEMAN that after the super typhoon Yolanda struck their place, they lost their electricity.

 "We don't need to use kerosene. It is a precious gift we received especially Christmas is near," she said in dialect referring to the solar-powered light bulb she received with a big smile.

President and CEO of the Maybank Philippines, Inc., Herminio M. Famatigan Jr., in his opening statement said, "we are happy to be here."

He said giving of solar-powered light bulb is a way of  helping those victims of Yolanda.

Mark Lozano, a founder of OML PH, a youth-led non-government organization (NGO), said that their aim is to improve the daily life of children and adults by providing clean, safe and healthy lighting to off-grid communities adding that they wanted to make a difference.

Famatigan likewise, said aside from it is safe and healthy lighting, a solar-powered light bulb is an economy-wise because they don't have to buy kerosene for their lamp.

 Aside from Barangay Odlot being a second community in Northern Cebu to receive such aid, the group already went to Barangay Bliss in Bogo City and distributed one light bulb each to 56 households.

"Making a difference in the communities we serve, and going beyond our traditional banking role is very much in line with Maybank's mission of  humanizing financial services across Asia. We are committed to share in the triumphs and trials of those we serve, and to be there not only when they celebrate success, but also when they face setbacks," he said adding that giving of 50 solar-powered light bulbs in Barangay Odlot is just a start.

Project H.E.A.R.T. which stands for Helping Asians Rise Together, Famatigan said is a regional movement aimed at "brightening and empowering rural communities across Asia by distributing solar-powered light bulbs to those that do not have access to electricity."

Odlot barangay captain Emily Juanillo expressed happiness with the Project H.E.A.R.T. of  the Maybank saying that the solar-powered light bulb is a great help to her constituents and they are having light for Christmas. (FREEMAN)