OUR 2016 batch of awardees of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (Towns) embarks on an ambitious goal of bringing light to the darkest communities in the Philippines as a new search for 2022 Towns awardees is underway.
I am truly happy that Towns Foundation Inc. recently adopted the Light and Love Lifting the Philippines (L3P) project which aims to distribute at least 5,000 salt-water portable lamps to far-flung communities hit by Typhoon Odette.
L3P showcases the invention of young engineer Aisa Mijeno, founder of Sustainable Alternative Lighting Corporation (SALt). Aisa is set to release the new version of the SALt lamp, which serves both as a lighting and power-charging device.
It is a privilege to have led in the conceptualization of the project as one of the 2016 Towns awardees, particularly in information and communication technology (ICT). The project aims to raise at least P7.5 million for the purchase and distribution of the lamps across the country.
Joining me and Aisa, in this worthy cause, are our fellow 2016 awardees namely Philippine Olympic Weightlifting Gold Medalist Hidilyn Diaz, art curator and medical doctor Isa Lorenzo, MetroBank Outstanding Teacher Sabrina Ongkiko, global food security icon Cherrie Atillano, multi-awarded investigative journalist Patricia Evangelista, and Philippine Navy Commander Marissa Arlene Andres-Martinez.
Target households shall be among 2.5 million families reportedly affected by Typhoon Odette in 9,003 barangays in Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, and Caraga.
This batch project was fueled last December by our collective desire to collaborate in providing a concrete contribution for the recovery of communities from the calamity and to also promote Filipino invention and innovation, development of women in science and technology, and the growth of alternative or renewable energy.
Even prior to the pandemic, Asia's vision for SALt is to make it the leading source of environment-friendly energy generation and storage systems and devices, the demand for renewable energy steadily grows. SALt lamp is reusable, requires low maintenance, and is activated by one of the world’s abundant resources, salt.
The second version of SALt is smaller and more compact in size, lighter in terms of weight, and offers a more powerful lighting. The LED component can last up to 10 years, while the lighting metal can easily be replaced every month when the lamp is used as the main energy source. The plastic casing is made of recycled plastic as part of Mijeno’s environmental commitment. This is a timely endeavor as renewable energy output, capacity, investments, and adoption steadily increase worldwide and governments are mandated to increase renewable energy mix.
Towns Foundation President Cecilia Victoria “Ces” Drilon welcomed the project as it complements the ongoing assistance of the foundation to the recovery of Dinagat Island Province, headed by another Towns Awardee, Governor Arlene “Kaka” Bag-ao.
The batch will pitch to various individuals and corporations as potential sponsors to raise the amount which will be under the name of Towns Foundation for management and accounting. Interested donors may contact 0991-677-7422 or email info@townsfoundation.org.ph
A total of 178 women have so far been honored by Towns, the awards administered by the Towns Foundation. The 2022 Towns Search is supported by San Miguel Corporation.
The search is open to Filipino citizens, at least 21 years but not more than 50 years, and who is distinguished in her field of specialization or advocacy, committed to the promotion of the well-being and upliftment of the people and community she serves, possesses a pioneering spirit and has achieved success despite challenges attendant to new endeavors and is dignified, respectable, articulate and self-confident.
Nomination forms may be downloaded from the TOWNS Facebook page and website: www.townsfoundatoin.org.ph or by email to search@townsfoundationm.org.ph.