Cherry Mobile’s “Light Of Hope” project lights thousands of PH homes
MANILA, Philippines – Imagine life without electricity. No power to make gadgets and appliances work, no light to illuminate the household when nighttime comes. Unfortunately, in some parts of the country, millions of Filipinos have been living their lives and doing their backbreaking chores amid darkness. Worst is, these household are only lighted by gas/kerosene lamps which are fire-prone, dangerous, and deadly. The endless burden to fuel these kerosene lamps cost a portion of their meager income and threatened their health caused by hazardous chemicals emitted from it.
The absence of electricity will no longer be a problem to almost 3,000 families covered by Cherry Mobile’s “Cosmic Light of Hope” project. This was first launched in five (5) provinces in December 2016 to light up isolated communities that are yet to be reached by electric power. As the leading local mobile phone brand in the country takes its share on responding to the remaining 21 million Filipinos that have no access to electricity, Cherry Mobile ventured to far-flung communities in the archipelago to hand over solar lanterns. So far, the project has already reached Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Guimaras, Aklan, Laguna, Quezon Province, Rizal, Sultan Kudarat Province, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Albay, Biliran, and Bohol.
“The Cosmic Light of Hope project is one of the major CSR initiatives of the company as it demonstrates its gratitude to our fellow Filipinos, especially those who need our assistance. On the ‘Light of Hope’ project, we wanted to respond to the alarming scarcity of electricity in selected parts of the country. Millions of our Kababayans rely on kerosene lamps as their source of light during the night. It’s something very risky and dangerous so we want to share a certain kind of light that is safe, sustainable and they don’t have to incur any expenses because it uses solar energy,” shares Cherry Mobile CEO Maynard Ngu. “Through this project, we hope to shed some light, spark hope amidst darkness and eventually improve the living condition of our countrymen.”
Beneficiaries of the Cosmic Light of Hope project will no longer have to use kerosene lamps or candles as they now have solar lanterns which they can recharge during daytime, and use it in the evening for their nightly chores. Most importantly, through these lanterns, students can now study at extended hours after nightfall while their parents can continue with their household chores, or extend several hours in tending their livelihood that will translate to additional income and meet their basic needs. Further, the solar lanterns can also be utilized outside the house as barangay officers could now safely take rounds within the community with a reliable lantern on hand to ensure security and safety of their area.
The ‘Cosmic Light of Hope’ solar lanterns are being distributed alongside two of Cherry Mobile’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects – the Be Cool in School and 12 Gifts of Christmas. This project is done in coordination with Department of Education (DepEd), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Offices, Local Government Units, Sparklight Company, and Cherry Mobile Dealers. It has already made a significant impact to the lifestyle of the beneficiaries in villages with no electric power, inspiring them to do more beyond daylight.
ADVT
