CostPlus, through its Kidlat EV brand, has successfully energized Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, with a stand-alone solar photovoltaic and energy storage system. This landmark installation, completed in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA), marks a pivotal step in the government’s P1.295-billion Last Mile Schools Electrification Program, aimed at improving education in approximately 300 remote public schools across the Philippines.

The Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School, previously lacking reliable electricity and internet services due to its off-grid location, now benefits from uninterrupted power. The newly installed system eliminates the need for costly and polluting diesel generators, providing a sustainable energy source that also supports high-speed internet connectivity. This access to digital learning tools and online resources is deemed essential for modern education, bridging the technological gap for students and teachers in underserved communities.

Anand H. Mahtani, President of CostPlus, emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, “Kidlat EV is honored to be part of this transformative initiative. Access to electricity and the internet is no longer a luxury—it’s foundational for modern education. We’re proud to support DepEd’s vision by delivering clean, resilient solar energy that empowers teachers and students.” To ensure the project’s long-term viability, local school personnel and community members received comprehensive training in system monitoring and maintenance.

DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who led the initiative, visited the school on June 19 for the official switch-on ceremony of the electricity and internet service. Angara underscored that the project transcends mere power provision, focusing instead on community empowerment. He highlighted how reliable power facilitates quality education in remote areas, showcasing the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in enhancing learning conditions nationwide. NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda echoed this sentiment, stating, “By lighting up remote schools like Datu Saldong Domino, we are empowering dreams and enabling brighter futures.”

This project represents the first completed solar energization in the region under the current administration’s Last Mile Schools Electrification Program. As of April, the Philippines boasts 1,392 active renewable energy contracts, contributing a total installed capacity of 7.05 gigawatts (GW). Solar energy accounts for 515 of these contracts, providing 2.56 GW to the national grid, underscoring the growing reliance on solar solutions for energy development and access across the archipelago.