Central Philippines State University (CPSU) – San Carlos Campus, in partnership with the Negros Women For Tomorrow Foundation, launched the first batch of their Solar Lamps for Trees project today, July 11, at So. Malatamban, Brgy. Guadalupe.

The initiative, themed “Empowering Communities with Renewable Energy and Reforestation,” aims to promote sustainable energy and environmental conservation by providing solar lamps in exchange for planting fruit-bearing trees.

Currently, the project has 200 solar lamps ready for distribution, with an additional 200 requested due to unexpectedly high demand in Brgy. Guadalupe, where many lack access to electricity.

CPSU Campus Administrator Ken M. Balogo, MSIT, highlighted that this marks CPSU’s first project in distributing solar lamps.

He emphasized plans for more sustainable and community-driven initiatives in the future, aiming to alleviate poverty and enhance livelihoods. Balogo thanked City Mayor Renato Y. Gustilo, Congressman Gerardo P. Valmayor Jr., and the local government of San Carlos for their support in making this initiative possible.

PCA Provincial Office Senior Agriculturist Ann Maridel C. Barrida discussed the programs under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, which prioritizes cooperatives to benefit.

She shared that PCA Negros Occidental produces hybrid seedlings in the Municipality of Manapla in a communal nursery. The seedlings are scheduled for harvesting in August and then distribution to coconut farmers in Sipalay City, San Carlos City, the Municipality of Isabela, and La Carlota City will follow.

*Please watch the video of this news event and other stories thru #VAMOSNewsSanCarlos over Youtube channel at youtube.com/@vamosnewsancarlos and at Parasat TV channel 27 every Saturday night at 7PM.