High in the heart of Carmen, Bohol, a beacon of innovation shines from atop the mountains of Sitio Mahayahay.
This small community, comprised of 28 households in Barangay Montesuerte, has become the stage for a remarkable transformation, all thanks to a visionary project marrying the ancient power of wind and sun with modern technology.
The players in this story of change are as diverse as they are passionate: Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya Inc. (SIBAT) and MISEREOR, supported by a coalition of local and provincial government, GlobalGiving, Anakata Wind Power Resources, and the Centre for Neighbourhood Studies.
Together, they have launched an initiative that not only promises to tackle the persistent issues of water scarcity and limited electricity but also to pave the way for a sustainable future.
This groundbreaking project deploys Small Wind Turbines and solar panels to harness energy that is as clean as it is constant. It’s a symphony of nature and innovation, producing a minimum of 5kW of power, sufficient to pump and disinfect 125 liters of domestic water per capita daily.
The power also extends to lighting up homes, with up to three LED bulbs provided for each family, illuminating lives previously shadowed by darkness after sunset.
The heartbeat of Sitio Mahayahay’s community is its agriculture, rooted in vegetable gardening. The irrigation of 28 hectares of crops that once depended on the whims of weather can now flourish under the steady stream of water provided by this renewable energy project.
It is here that the dream of climate-resilient sustainable agriculture takes root, promising a future where farming is not just about survival, but about thriving in harmony with the environment.
Romeo Peligrino, a leader of the People’s Organization, paints a vivid picture of transformation: “We only have water during the rainy season. When the dry season comes, our water sources dry up. This solar and wind-powered water system will surely be of great help to all of us here. Not only will the project provide water for our crops, but it will also provide us with potable drinking water. We can’t thank enough SIBAT and Governor and Mayor for putting up this project.”
The optimism is echoed by Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, whose voice carries the weight of a promise: “What we are doing now is embarking on a journey towards self-reliance for our communities. What we are doing today is harnessing the power of nature to secure a future where access to clean water and household light is no longer a luxury but a constant presence.”
Mayor Conchita Toribio Delos Reyes adds a layer of assurance with her words, “This project reflects our commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions for Carmen. By providing both clean water and lighting, we are taking a significant step towards improving the daily lives of our residents.”
And as if one project wasn’t enough to signal a revolution, Estrella Catarata, SIBAT Executive Director, reveals that Sitio Mahayahay is but one of three pioneering renewable energy initiatives in Bohol, setting the stage for a province-wide transformation.
This story of Sitio Mahayahay is more than just a tale of technological triumph; it is a narrative of community, resilience, and hope.
It is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together to harness the elements, sowing the seeds for a future that is as bright as the sun and as persistent as the wind.
