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In the highland barangay of Tinongdan in Itogon, Benguet, access to electricity has long been shaped by distance, terrain, and isolation. For Domolpos Community School, a small learning center serving just 16 pupils, these realities once meant limited teaching hours, no digital tools, and learning conditions dictated by daylight. That narrative shifted meaningfully in mid-December 2025, when a renewable energy (RE) and connectivity system was formally handed over to the school, marking a quiet but transformative moment for the community.
The initiative brought together SN Aboitiz Power–Benguet, Inc. (SNAP-Benguet) and the Aboitiz Foundation under AuroraPH, a program designed to address the layered challenges faced by last-mile schools. More than a technical installation, the project reflected a shared belief that education, when supported by reliable infrastructure, can unlock possibilities even in the most geographically isolated areas.
The turnover ceremony gathered community leaders, educators, parents, and students, underscoring how deeply local participation mattered to the project’s success. SNAP President and CEO Joseph Yu led the handover alongside Barangay Tinongdan Chairman Edwin Atumpag, joined by representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd) Benguet Division, school officials, and foundation partners. Their presence signaled a collective commitment to ensuring that development initiatives respond to the needs of those who live and learn far from urban centers.
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Powering Learning, Connecting Futures
At the heart of the project is a 6-kilowatt-peak solar energy system paired with battery storage, providing Domolpos Community School with a stable and independent power source. This allows classrooms to function beyond daylight hours, supports basic equipment, and ensures continuity even during adverse weather conditions. Complementing the energy system is internet connectivity, a critical component that opens doors to digital learning resources previously out of reach.
For teachers, the presence of electricity and connectivity changes how lessons can be delivered. Visual materials, online references, and interactive tools have now become viable parts of the classroom experience. For students, exposure to digital platforms fosters curiosity and confidence, bridging gaps between rural and urban learning environments.
The benefits of the project extend beyond school grounds. As part of the same initiative, 22 solar-powered streetlights were installed across the community. These lights improve safety and visibility, particularly for children walking to and from school and for residents moving through the barangay after dark. In places where darkness once limited movement and activity, RE now supports a stronger sense of security.
SNAP-Benguet also complemented the infrastructure support with a gift-giving activity for students, reinforcing the human dimension of the project. Additional contributions were generated through an employee-driven volunteer effort, reflecting how corporate social responsibility can be embedded not only in funding but also in personal engagement.
“By bringing renewable energy and connectivity to schools like Domolpos Elementary School, we create conducive conditions where our students’ creativity and confidence can grow,” Yu said during the ceremony. “We enable teachers to teach more effectively, and we inspire communities to imagine a wider future for their children.”
AuroraPH and the Mission to Reach the Last Mile
The Domolpos initiative forms part of AuroraPH, a flagship program of the Aboitiz Foundation focused on last-mile schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. First piloted in 2024, AuroraPH initially supported 11 schools across the country, including several in Benguet. Since then, the program has continued to scale, reaching communities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
AuroraPH is built on the idea that sustainable development requires long-term thinking. Rather than short-term fixes, the program prioritizes durable infrastructure, local partnerships, and systems that communities can maintain and benefit from over time. By working closely with government agencies, school administrators, and local leaders, the initiative ensures that solutions align with actual on-the-ground needs.
In remote areas where extending traditional power grids is impractical, RE becomes a practical and empowering alternative. When paired with connectivity, it allows schools to participate in a broader educational ecosystem, reducing isolation and supporting inclusive growth.
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The Aboitiz–SNAP Group: Energy with Purpose
SNAP operates as a joint venture between Norway-based Scatec and AboitizPower, united by a shared commitment to advancing positive change through RE, particularly in hydropower.
The partnership supports businesses and communities in their transition toward a more sustainable future while delivering long-term value through a diversified portfolio of energy assets, products, and services.
Beyond operating power facilities, SNAP continues to develop and advance innovative energy solutions that contribute to a cleaner, safer environment for both present and future generations.
Sources:
https://aboitizpower.com/about-us/our-businesses/power-generation/cleanergy/sn-aboitiz-power-group