Bringing Light, Hope to Indigenous Communities in the Philippines

In a world that’s fast advancing in terms of technology and development, it’s easy to forget there are still areas where people live without access to necessities like electricity. Upper Pasto, a remote region in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija in the Philippines, is one such place where the daily lives of Indigenous people have been shrouded in darkness for too long. Thanks to the joint efforts of our Jacobs teammates in the Philippines and Solarhope, change is on the horizon.

We’re on a mission to create a positive impact on the communities we operate in — so it was an obvious choice for us to work on this endeavor with Solarhope, a non-governmental organization dedicated to sustainable and affordable solar energy solutions to underserved communities. We’ve joined forces to make a lasting difference in the lives of the Indigenous people of Upper Pasto.

Upper Pasto is home to a diverse group of Indigenous people, including the Kalinguya, Ibaloy and Kankana-ey tribes. These areas have myriad difficulties, one of which is a lack of electricity. For these tribes, access to modern conveniences has been a distant dream.

Through the efforts of Solarhope and our team aligned to our global giving and volunteering program, Collectively^SM, electricity reached Upper Pasto in October, 2023. We donated 29 solar panels equipped with lights and a community hall solar power system. Our team also helped in the renovation of the community hall, which had been damaged during a recent typhoon.

The solar panels — complete with lights — will illuminate the homes in the Upper Pasto region. These solar panels are not just a source of light but also a symbol of hope, making daily tasks easier and safer for the communities.

The installation of a solar power system and the renovation of the community hall is a game-changer for Upper Pasto. The community hall is essential for gatherings, meetings and community events. The renovation of this multipurpose facility is a significant step toward preserving the culture in Upper Pasto. The repair and reinforcement of the hall will make it a safer and more comfortable space for the community — and with power now available, their gatherings can happen even when it’s dark outside.

The collaboration between our team in the Philippines and Solarhope, along with the support of the Indigenous people and local authorities in Upper Pasto is an excellent example of how the private sector and non-government organizations can work together to create positive change in marginalized communities. The impact of this event will resonate through the lives of these communities for generations to come.