Remote Philippine School Electrified by Solar Power Partnership, Bridging Digital Divide
Key Insights
Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Agusan del Norte, a remote 'last-mile school,' has been electrified with a new solar power system and energy storage.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Department of Education, the National Electrification Administration, and renewable energy firm Cost Plus.
This standalone solar photovoltaic system provides reliable, clean electricity, eliminating the school's dependence on expensive diesel generators.
The initiative aims to enhance educational access for students in off-grid areas and serves as a model for future rural electrification efforts across the Philippines.
Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Agusan del Norte, a remote 'last-mile school' previously without electricity or internet, has been successfully energized through a new solar power system. This milestone, achieved through a collaborative initiative involving the Department of Education (DepEd), the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and renewable energy firm Cost Plus, marks a significant step towards bridging the digital and educational divide in the Philippines.
The newly installed system comprises a standalone solar photovoltaic (PV) array coupled with an energy storage solution, specifically designed to provide reliable electricity in off-grid environments. This setup eliminates the school's dependence on expensive and environmentally impactful diesel generators, offering a sustainable and resilient power source. Anand Mahtani, President of Cost Plus, the exclusive distributor-manufacturer of Kidlat EV, emphasized the transformative impact, stating, "Access to electricity and 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."
The project not only provides power but also includes comprehensive training for local school personnel and community members on system monitoring and maintenance, ensuring long-term operational self-sufficiency. DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, who visited the energized school, underscored the broader community benefits. "Every child deserves quality education, and today, electricity brings us closer to that goal. This partnership demonstrates how collaborative innovation can extend quality education to learners everywhere," Angara remarked.
This initiative follows a strategic partnership formed between DepEd and NEA in February, aimed at electrifying public schools located in off-grid regions. Secretary Angara previously highlighted that approximately 1,500 public schools across the archipelago still lack access to grid electricity. The successful deployment at Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School serves as a crucial proof-of-concept, illustrating the immense potential of decentralized solar energy solutions to address critical infrastructure gaps and advance educational equity in remote areas nationwide.