Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran province, now being tagged as Eastern Visayas’ little Boracay, is leading to a more sustainable tourism through the use of renewable energy.
Said island which is composed of two barangays: Mabini and Libertad is now implementing DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services), an empowerment program which advocates inclusive participation and development through Community-Driven Development (CDD) strategy.
Today, a portion of the island’s power supply is being addressed by Kalahi-CIDSS’ solar electrification project which was identified and proposed by the community members themselves.
“The community of Mabini and Libertad proposed the solar electrification project because the insufficient power supply is still a problem in Higatangan. Before, it was just a local need that we want to addressed. But now, we realized the project’s impact on the island’s tourism industry especially that we are promoting renewable energy”, Naval Area Coordinator Joel Maturan explained.
In Brgy. Mabini, a total of 56 solar-powered streetlights were already constructed with a total project cost of 2.4 million pesos within two cycles of Kalahi-CIDSS implementation.
On the other hand, Brgy. Libertad’s proposed Solar-Powered Electrification System per household with a total project cost of 2.5 million pesos will benefit 270 families living in the community. Said project is on top of its first CDD project – construction of 21 units solar-powered streetlights worth 825, 798 pesos which was already completed and being utilized by its residents.
“Through DSWD programs and services, we are empowering the people. We are helping them help their families”, Naval Mayor Gerard Espina said during an interview.
