The Global Peace Foundation Philippines (GPF Philippines), in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office V – Bicol Region and Local Government Units (LGU), lit up off-grid communities in Pilar, Sorsogon, and Lagonoy, Camarines Sur, on August 19 and 20, respectively, through the All Lights Village (ALV) Project. The project rollouts marked the 50th and 51st communities nationwide to benefit from the initiative, supported by Bless Microfinance.
GPF Philippines provided 100 portable solar lamps to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) households without electricity and installed 10 solar-powered streetlights in Brgy. Putiao, Pilar, Sorsogon and Sitio Puraon-Nakoy, Brgy. Pinamahigan, Lagonoy, Camarine Sur, alongside a marker pedestal symbolizing unity and progress.
The beneficiaries, identified through the Social Welfare and Development Indicator (SWDI) as Level 1 in lighting facility or households without electricity, expressed gratitude for the project. “Malaking bagay po ito sa amin. Bilang isang residente ng barangay na talagang lumaki sa lugar na walang ilaw, ang magkaroon po nito [solar lamp] ay isang pag-asa,” said Geraldine Zarcilla, a 4Ps beneficiary in Lagonoy. Fellow recipient Jennifer Mazo from Pilar, added: “Malaking tulong po ito sa aming nahihirapan dahil walang kuryente at ilaw sa tahanan. Makakaasa po kayo na itong binigay sa amin ay iingatan at papahalagahan po namin.”
The initiative also complements the 10-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., particularly in reducing vulnerability and inequality, promoting digital and energy transformation, and investing in human capital development. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian expressed support for the All Lights Village Project, noting that initiatives like this strengthen the government’s efforts to uplift 4Ps families and reduce inequalities in underserved communities.
At the regional level, DSWD Bicol Regional Director Norman S. Laurio reaffirmed the department’s commitment to work closely with LGUs and partners like GPF Philippines to ensure that vulnerable households benefit from sustainable programs and services.
“It is more than the provision of lighting solutions – it is a partnership between government, civil society, and the community, working hand-in-hand to fill the gap we have identified together. And it reminds us that even in times of challenge, there is a way to move forward,” said RD Laurio.
The All Lights Village Project is designed in three stages: beginning with solar lamps and streetlights to ensure safe and sustainable access to light, followed by the construction of solar-powered Community Learning Centers for study and skills training, and culminating in livelihood programs to build resilient, self-reliant communities.
“This collaboration has brought hope and opportunities to families, especially 4Ps beneficiaries, by empowering communities to work together for a brighter future,” said Leonard Faustino, Executive Director of GPF Philippines.
The project launch included a ceremonial MOA signing between the Department and the distribution of lamps and streetlights in both provinces, attended by LGU officials, GPF leadership, Bless Microfinance, and DSWD Bicol field staff.
With Pilar and Lagonoy now joining the ALV network, the program has illuminated 51 communities nationwide, combining light, learning, and livelihood as part of GPF Philippines’ values-based approach to peacebuilding.