ENERGIZER with OML PHILIPPINES SHED LIGHT ON REMOTE COMMUNITIES IN RIZAL
In its continuing efforts to provide valuable energy to Filipino families, Energizer Philippines again reached out to provide the life-giving gift of light. Together with One Million Lights Philippines (OML PH), the company recently distributed solar-powered LED flashlights to rural communities in San Rafael, Rizal.
Who would’ve thought that many Filipinos still bear the lack of electricity this close to the city? According to the Department of Energy, around 15 million Filipinos from more than 2,274 barangays have no access to electricity. This means that thousands of communities across the country still rely on crude light sources like kerosene lamps, firewood, and candles, which pose serious risks on personal health and the environment.
By donating 300 Energizer LED lights to families in Barangay San Rafael, around 2,000 off-the-grid individuals will benefit from safe, healthy, and efficient light sources. This partnership is an off-shoot of the Energizer Night Race for a Brighter World – a series of night races taking place around the globe to raise awareness for the need for clean and healthy lighting in communities without access to electricity. It’s a global celebration of the Energizer platform called That’s Positivenergy™, which combines performance plus responsibility and demonstrates Energizer’s long-standing commitment to responsible power and serving the community.
From 2011 to present,, Energizer has already donated 23 million hours’ of solarlight to rural communities around the world, including countries like Argentina, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. This year, Energizer is pledging to deliver 13 million hours more. The donations are made in the form of solar-powered LED lanterns and bulbs. These enable children to study at night and adults to extend their workday, all while helping to improve household health and safety.
Through the partnership, Energizer and OML aims to solve this issue one community at a time by distributing rechargeable, eco-friendly, solar-powered lights to thousands of Filipinos around the country.
“Our commitment to providing light to every Filipino family is strengthened by our partnership with a globally-renowned brand in Energizer,” says Francesca Rosas, Head of Internal Affairs of OML Philippines. “The company’s solar-powered lights are clean, safe, environmentally sustainable, and, more important, affordable for our beneficiaries.”
The solar-powered LED flashlights distributed in seven remote Sitios in Barangay San Rafael, namely, Casili, Inigan, Anipa, Malasya Uyungan, Catmon, Macaingalan, and Ilas, have the capacity to provide more than 3 hours of light after five hours of charging under direct sunlight. This light source would prove beneficial in terms of offsetting lighting costs, increasing livelihood productivity, and improving education and general health of individuals in the community.
“Our advocacy is to help light the way for everyone to lead better lives, particularly the poor and the disadvantaged,” explains Energizer Philippines brand manager Joan Mendoza. “Our initiatives have taken us to some of the most remote communities in the Philippines. By replicating the same here in San Rafael, Rizal, Energizer and OML have brought more communities into the light, which translates to better opportunities to families and aid children with their education.”
“We are deeply grateful for the strong support from Energizer Philippines without whom it would not be possible for us to touch so many lives,” Rosas said. “They have enabled us to fulfill our wish to make a positive difference in our society through an affordable, safe, and environmentally sustainable manner. We look forward to spreading more ‘Positivenergy’ to Filipinos for years to come.”
Energizer also hopes to get more support by getting the local running community involved with the cause. The company implores running and health enthusiasts to take an active stance in lighting the way for a better world by participating in the Energizer Night Race Manila, which will be held on May 4, 2013, at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
To reqister for Energizer Night Race Manila , visit Brooks SM North Edsa, RUNNR Bonifacio High Street and Toby’s Sports located at Edsa Shangri-La, Glorietta, and SM Mall of Asia. You may also register online at www.energizerbatteries.com.ph/NightRace. Registration is open until April 30, 2013. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/energizerphilippines.