The Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute Inc. (NYLI), through its Climate Solutions Center, concluded Project REConnect with a provincial launching and closing program at the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol Social Hall om Saturday, March 7.
The program presented project results, community impacts, and next steps for sustaining installed solar systems across targeted areas.
Project REConnect, supported by the Honnold Foundation, is a community‑based solarization initiative designed to address energy insecurity and support education, livelihoods, and resilience in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in Negros Occidental.
Over the past year, the project provided solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and capacity‑building activities to partner communities.
In Brgy. Nayon, San Enrique, a 6kW PV hybrid system now powers a community cold storage facilities intended to support small‑scale fisherfolk in post‑harvest management.
The system is community‑operated, with women and youth serving as primary operators.
In Hinoba-an, a 6kW PV system was installed at Damutan Elementary School, powering a water pump for the school’s Gulayan sa Paaralan program, supporting feeding initiatives and providing safe water access for students and local residents.
The system also supplies electricity for classroom use, including lighting and digital learning tools.
Meanwhile, 37 households in Purok Tumpok, Brgy. Pandanon, Don Salvador Benedicto, received 120W / 456Wh solar kits to meet daily energy needs, enhancing resilience among farming families.
Former Negros Occidental governor and Provincial Consultant Rafael “Lito” Coscolluela underscored the role of young people in advancing community initiatives.
“It’s time for the youth to step up and initiate projects like Project REConnect, where not only big corporations but, more importantly, local communities and small businesses can benefit from.
It’s about ensuring the community receives the support it deserves,” he said.
Coleen Awit, NYLI Senior Program Manager, emphasized that the project’s impact goes beyond energy access.
“Beyond the kilowatts and kilowatt-hours, the true impact is seen in our communities. Children are discovering possibilities, fisherfolk can preserve their catch, families stay connected, and schools run more smoothly with reliable access to energy and water. These changes open new opportunities for communities,” she said.
The closing program also recognized the contributions of barangay leaders, youth, and community members who supported the project’s implementation. Discussions during the event included sustaining the solar systems and exploring opportunities to expand renewable energy initiatives in other communities across Negros Occidental.
In a message delivered by Executive Assistant Charina Magallanes Tan, Gov. Eugenio “Bong” Lacson highlighted the project’s community-centered approach.
“What makes this effort meaningful is its community-centered approach. By combining renewable energy with education, capacity building, and local engagement, Project REConnect
empowers communities to access power and shape their own future.”*PR
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