Manila: Households in the remote Barangay Caliling in Cauayan, Negros Occidental have received 25 solar lights and panels through Project SUGA, an initiative spearheaded by the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) and the Philippine Army's 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB).

According to Philippines News Agency, 'Suga', which means 'light' in Hiligaynon, aims to provide solar-powered lighting and charging stations to underserved communities that remain beyond the reach of conventional electrification. The CPSU, with its main campus in Kabankalan City, reported that the distribution on July 29 marks the successful completion of the first phase of the 'Paghatag sang SUGA sa Komunidad: Solar Utility for Growth and Advancement (SUGA) Project'.

Earlier this year, in April, CPSU president Dr. Aladino Moraca and 15IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Roberto Maduli formalized the partnership to implement the project in Negros Occidental's sixth congressional district. The initiative provides vulnerable households with access to essential services, enhancing convenience for daily activities, particularly for women and children, through renewable energy solutions.

The project aims to foster development in isolated communities by providing access to sustainable technology without financial burden on the beneficiaries. Antonio Siroy from the CPSU Extension and Community Services Office conducted a practical training session on installing and troubleshooting the solar equipment, ensuring that beneficiary households are equipped to maintain and operate the units.

To further support Project SUGA, households are encouraged to partake in CPSU's '1 Million Trees and Counting' reforestation initiative by planting 300 fruit trees. The 15IB, based in Barangay Tiling, has reiterated its commitment to peace and development by collaborating with government agencies.

Project SUGA aligns with Executive Order 70, which adopts a whole-of-nation approach to address the root causes of insurgency, emphasizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The initiative directly supports SDG 7, Affordable Clean Energy, by providing renewable energy solutions, and indirectly aids SDG 1, No Poverty, SDG 5, Gender Equality, SDG 10, Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities.