To help realize social reform in Negrense communities, the 15th Infantry “Molave Warrior” Battalion, Philippine Army (15IB), and the Central Philippines State University formalized their partnership for the “Paghatag sang SUGA sa Komunidad: Solar Utility for Growth and Advancement (SUGA) Project.”

In accordance with Executive Order No. 70, which calls for a nationwide approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace, the Memorandum of Partnership signed between the parties is a “collaborative initiative for empowering communities through sustainable energy” —bridging the chasm between the poor and essential services to improve the way of life of locals.

The project will initially be implemented in the Sixth Congressional District of Negros Occidental, where the parties will provide solar-powered lighting and charging stations to underserved households in challenged communities that remain unreached by electrification concessionaire services.

The partnership aims to promote the attainment of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); and apart from directly targeting SDG 7 or Affordable Clean Energy by providing them a renewable-energy-based light source and charging stations, the program also indirectly contributes to the attainment of SDG 1 or No Poverty by providing the poor and the vulnerable with access to basic services, SDG 5 or Gender Equality by making the execution of domestic activities more convenient, especially for women; SDG 10 or Reduced Inequalities by promoting development in isolated communities; and SDG 11 or Sustainable Cities and Communities by giving them access to sustainable green technology without giving them monetary counterpart.

Moreover, the trade-off agreement for the initiative includes the recipients’ participation in CPSU’s reforestation program or the "1 Million Trees and Counting” project, to which the university highly encourages beneficiary households to plant fruit trees as their counterpart.

The fruit trees aren’t only perceived to be instrumental in addressing the thinning of the local mountains; they are also seen to be vital in protecting the local watersheds, supporting the return and breeding of native fauna, protecting local communities from threats of landslides or flash floods, promoting local food security, and encouraging trade and economic activities.

The memorandum was signed by LTC ROBERTO S MADULI INF (GSC) PA, 15IB Acting Commanding Officer, and Dr. Aladino C. Moraca, University President, and witnessed by 2LT KESTREL IRIN R DELMONTE (CE) PA, PFC DANRED G CANJA (INF) PA, and Dr. Jimmy O. Degillo, the Director for CPSU-Extension and Community Services Office, last April 22, 2026, at CPSU Main Campus.

Present during the event in support of the initiative were Dr. Hanzel L. Pedrosa, College of Agriculture and Forestry Dean; Atty. Gil Ryan Alegario, Legal Office Head; Mr. Charlie Magne C. Coronel, Planning Officer III and Non-Teaching Personnel Organization President; and, on behalf of the Office Director, Dr. Shirley A. Calugcugan, Ms. Jerlyn C. Catipay, a Gender and Development Office representative.