2,400 Solar Lanterns to 15 Non-Governmental Organizations in the Philippines

Rizal, Philippines - The donation marks the third of such efforts under the "100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project" in the Philippines. Last February, we donated more than 2,300 solar lanterns to 18 organizations. The lanterns aim to address social challenges faced by people living in off-grid areas of the country. In December 2013, Panasonic donated more than 1,000 solar lanterns to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of the Philippines government, as part of its disaster relief efforts following Typhoon Yolanda.

Shinichi Hayashi, President of Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation, commented, "We have received positive feedback from these organizations and have learned that many people, especially the indigenous, are still left behind without access to electricity in mountainous areas or remote islands of the country. Panasonic will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a corporate citizen in the communities it serves, one of which is through the provision of safe and stable electric lighting."

Launched in 2012, the Panasonic global "100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project" aims to create positive changes in lives of people in rural off-grid areas in emerging and developing countries through donation of 100,000 units of the compact solar lighting devices by 2018, the company's 100th year anniversary.

In the Philippines, 21% of its population is said to have no access to electricity.[1] Availability of light and electricity affects quality of life. The "100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project" came about with the aim to provide electric lighting to enhance access to education, healthcare and business opportunities through the use of the company's own technology and product.

Each solar lantern is attached to a solar panel. Through the use of renewable solar energy, the product not only mitigates social challenges, but also contributes to carbon dioxide emission reduction.

Panasonic hopes its solar lanterns will provide a better life, a better world for the people of the Philippines and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 15 Organizations that Received Solar Lanterns in the Philippines (in alphabetical order):