The Philippines is one of Southeast Asia’s most disaster-prone countries. For many years, the country has been struck by severe weather events such as typhoons and floods. This emphasizes the significance of evacuation centers which serve as a temporary shelter for communities who fall victim to disaster displacement.
With schools, community spaces, and sports facilities often repurposed to provide people with respite from the events of extreme weather, many evacuation centers frequently encounter a problem: a lack of reliable lighting.
Inspired by the purpose of bringing light and life to the world while spreading prosperity, through a partnership with the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (ASSIST), Signify Foundation and Signify Philippines launched SINAG PAG-ASA. Kicked off last February 18, 2022, the project has aimed to provide evacuation centers with access to solar and electric floodlights, light tubes, and rechargeable light bulbs for use during emergencies and crises.
Initial beneficiaries include at least 63 evacuation centers across Metro Manila, Cavite, and Batangas, with more recipients reached the whole month of March. SINAG PAG-ASA reached out to the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Offices (DRRMO) of the respective Local Government Units (LGU) for the distribution.
“For the past five years, Signify Foundation has been working to improve access to quality lighting for people who don’t have it – or only have limited, unhealthy lighting. By spreading light, we will be able to create brighter lives for people, communities, and our planet. We believe that sustainable light can bring access to new opportunities, improve quality of life and health, unlock education and empowerment, and boost economic development.” said Yvonne Pan, Country Leader of Signify Philippines.
Signify Foundation and Signify Philippines together with ASSIST believe in the power of light to make a positive impact on our world by working together. With Philips Lighting, a global market leader with recognized expertise in the development, manufacturing & application of innovative (LED) lighting solutions, their common purpose aligns with this project as they seek to continue to unlock brighter lives and hopefully, a better world.
To learn more about how Solar lighting is efficient and cost-effective, read here. Discover more about LED lighting here.
By having brought solar lights to disaster relief zones, we can ensure that there is “no light without hope.” Philips Solar Lights takes great care and investment into assuring that every light provided will be easy for installation, and able to reach a wide range of outdoor applications.
Switching from electrical to solar-powered lighting has also proven to be more practical and cost-effective. This in lined with the fact solar-powered lights are durable and long lasting. They are easily configurable to adjust to one’s needs, along with remote control features to better control it. It can be used even in areas where electrical connection is not possible/difficult for broader outdoor applications.