PWEI Energy Program to boost Livelihood in Pawa Community By Estrella Z. Gallardo Petrowind Energy Inc. (PWEI) launched a sustainable livelihood enhancement program in the municipality of Nabas in Aklan to transform a lowly barangay (Brgy Pawa) into a model community for social agro-ecotourism. The program that is part of the PWEI’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in collaboration with the Aklan State University (ASU) and the local government of Nabas was formalized through a ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) among the three parties involved on August 29, 2014. PWEI spearheading the development of a 50-megawatts (MW) wind power farm project in Brgy. Pawa with a total investment of Php 4 billion and a 25-year project will start on a fourth quarter of 2014. It is seen to generate and harness renewable and clean energy for Aklan. Pawa is 15-kilometers away from Nabas town proper. According to James V. Salanoy, the project will further maximize the eco-tourism potential of the province, considering its close proximity to Boracay Island. PWEI has tapped the expertise of ASU to facilitate the residents for the upcoming development in Brgy Pawa, through its Extension and Community Services (ECS) Units led by its director, Prof. Alexander L. Ramos. Ramos will provide the technical assistance needed by the community in food production, livelihood enhancement, and sustainable agriculture. ‘The University will conduct trainings and values formation to assist Brgy. Pawa in agricultural production, and later on food processing,” said ASU President Danilo E. Abayon. Monitoring and evaluation activities will also be implemented, he also said. Brgy. Captain Isagani P. Baliguat said that agriculture is the main source of livelihood for Brgy Pawa, with rice and coconuts as among the major crops. Saliw fibercrop, abundant in Nabas used to weave mats also gives additional income to women in the community, he added. “We are very thankful to PWEI for this project as it will give us livelihood and jobs,” Baliguat said. With the help of experts from ASU, Baliguat hopes to learn more about new farm technologies, particularly on raising of livestock and crop processing, and eventually increase their income. PWEI President Milagros V. Reyes, who thanked ASU for the technical assistant that it provides in the company’s CSR program in Brgy Pawa assured the community of its continuous support. She said that “The results of the initial activities such as site assessment, soil profiling, community planning, and training on solid waste management and vermiculture, have indeed been helpful in providing insights and guidance in the planning for a sustainable livelihood enhancement program for the community of Brgy. Pawa. The MOA was signed by PWEI President Milagros V. Reyes, ASU President Danilo F. Abayon, and Nabas Municipal Mayor James V. Salanoy. Present in the signing were Pawa Brgy. Chairman Isagani P. Baliguat, officials from ASU, and member of Pawa Community Champions. (PSciJourn MegaManila)
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:48:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015