Kaibigan Villages Receive Portable Solar Home Lighting Systems

CCT President Ruth Callanta receives a solar powered lantern from Philippe Saubier (center)
and Jim Ayala of the Solar Energy Foundation.

The Kaibigan Villages in Kalikid, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija received portable solar home lighting systems during the first community stop of Ride for Light 2011, a 6,600-kilometer motorcycle adventure ride across the entire Philippine archipelago.

Philippe Saubier, Ibba Rasul Bernardo, and Antonio Villanueva of the Solar Energy Foundation brought a donation of 20 portable solar home lighting systems, some of which now light up the homes of former street dwellers who have been resettled in five Kaibigan villages in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.

The three riders kicked off their adventure at the Rizal Park in Manila early April 16 and arrived at the Kaibigan Village 1 by mid morning, followed by their backup team. 

Ride for Light 2011 riders on  powerful BMW motorcycles arrive at Kaibigan Village 1.

 CCT President Ruth Callanta and the Kaibigan Ministry staff from Manila were in Nueva Ecija to meet the team. A brief program was held, followed by lunch. Attending the program aside from the SEF riders were Jim Ayala, chairman of SEF-Philippines, his wife, SEF staff, Kalikid barangay officials, and Kaibigan villagers.

Jim Ayala is greeted by Kalikid barangay officials.

Ruth Callanta and guests sing, "How Great Thou Art".

Naida Ilao gives the welcome remarks.

Ruth Callanta shares how she met Jim Ayala and learned of his advocacy

for the use of solar energy.

Visions of Hope Foundation and Kaibigan Ministry staff sing, "He Lives!"

Jim Ayala speaks earnestly about using solar power to
light up villages currently excluded
from the electricity grid.

Frenchman Philippe Saubier, Ride For Light head rider,
demonstrates how to use a solar lamp to light a home...

.... as a flashlight....

... as a cell phone charger...

...and how to recharge a solar lamp using a solar panel.

The lanterns double as flashlights and cell phone chargers.  They are recharged using solar panels. Jim explains that about 20 million Filipinos live in areas without electricity. Lighting up their homes with solar lamps will allow productive activity for business and studying after sunset.

Ruth Callanta prays for the 'Light Riders'.

The 'Light Riders' will travel to 39 other communities in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao to raise funds and awareness for the foundation’s advocacy of electrifying remote villages with solar energy.They will also visit the B’laan community assisted by CCT in Malungon, Sarangani province in Mindanao as part of their19-day tour.