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A remote mountain community in Barangay Matmad, Nagtipunan, Quirino is set to gain access to electricity through a new solar initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Formalized through a recently signed agreement, the project aims to bring reliable, sustainable power to one of the province’s most isolated areas.
The solar electrification effort, titled Liwanag sa Dilim, forms part of the DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program. Designed to uplift remote and underserved communities, the initiative uses science and innovation to bring lasting solutions to areas classified as geographically isolated and disadvantaged.
(Also read: Aboitiz Power to Build Solar Projects in Ilocos Norte)
Powering new possibilities
DOST-Quirino Provincial Director Rocela Angelica Gorospe shared that the initiative goes beyond lighting homes—it aims to uplift lives. By introducing electricity to the off-grid community, the project creates pathways for improving quality of life.
“This inspired us at DOST to bring the benefits and comfort that science and technology offer to your community,” she stated.
Gorospe also explained that the core of the project involves setting up a solar power system designed to supply the community’s everyday energy needs. “The project will not only provide electricity at night but also serve as a symbol of hope, opening doors to greater opportunities in education, agriculture, and livelihood,” she said.
In addition to providing power, the initiative allocates funding for livelihood programs tailored to the community’s needs. These efforts aim to boost local income and promote self-sufficiency.
To ensure smooth and secure implementation, the Quirino Police Provincial Office is also actively collaborating with DOST on the ground.
Colonel Paul Y. Gamido, head of the Quirino Police Provincial Office, called on residents to take an active role in protecting the newly introduced facility, stressing that community care is vital to the project’s long-term success.
“As a key partner of the DOST in implementing the project, let us work together to sustain it,” he highlighted.
He added that through strong collaboration between the police and the community, peace and order can be upheld, creating a stable environment where the project can thrive and deliver lasting benefits to the people of Quirino.
Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Benny B. Nangitoy conveyed his appreciation to DOST and its partners, saying the project has brought a sense of renewed hope to their long-isolated community and sparked optimism for a brighter, more promising future.
(Also read: Ilocos Norte Shines with Solar-Powered Cauldron at Palarong Pambansa)
About the community
Barangay Matmad, a secluded village tucked deep in the mountains of Nagtipunan, remains off-grid due to its extreme remoteness and rugged terrain. The village is not serviced by the Quirino Electric Cooperative, as the geographic challenges make infrastructure development difficult and costly.
Reaching Matmad is no small feat. According to Gorospe, the journey takes more than two days and involves a combination of traditional transport methods. Travelers must hike long distances, ride in boats, or use carabao-drawn carts—modes of travel that highlight just how isolated the community is.
With no connection to the local power grid, residents have long depended on makeshift solutions to light their homes. These include gas-powered lamps, automotive batteries, portable solar devices, and diesel generators. However, these are often costly, unreliable, and offer limited lighting capacity, especially at night.
Despite these conditions, the people of Matmad have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Their ability to endure the challenges of isolation, limited access to basic utilities, and difficult terrain reflects both the urgency and impact of bringing sustainable energy to this underserved community.
https://pia.gov.ph/dost-to-launch-solar-electrification-project-in-remote-quirino-village
https://powerphilippines.com/dost-launches-solar-power-project-in-remote-quirino-village