Forty-five (45) units of solar panel-powered floodlights were distributed to marginalized groups, including underprivileged individuals, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and solo parents, by the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) – Gender and Development (GAD) Office.

To improve the way of life and address gender-related issues in far-flung communities in the rural and mountainous areas of Kabankalan City, the university has organized the trade-off activity on June 16, 2026, at the university’s Mulberry Hotel.

Following the official turnover of the floodlights, Mr. Antonio G. Seroy from the CPSU-Extension and Community Services Office trained the recipients in installing the solar panel and floodlights for self-sufficient installation and management of the assets.

The trade-off involves the recipients' participation in the university’s 1 Million Trees and Counting Campaign as their counterpart for the solar floodlights and their solar panels.

Recipients are highly encouraged to plant fruit trees around their respective households or their chosen parcels of land, which will help promote environmental sustainability.

The activity was developed in response to GAD analysis results identifying a lack of affordable lighting—a critical service for household security and productivity, as some of the households in the city are still unreached by electricity and power concessionaire services, or some households struggle with electricity costs.

In his keynote message, University President Dr. Aladino C. Moraca emphasized the commitment of the university in providing services and organizing programs that target urban migration, rapid population growth, local forest deforestation, and food security—emphasizing the university’s campaign to rehabilitate local mountains and forests to promote the return of the Walden’s hornbill, which is also the university’s official mascot.

Marginalized residents from the areas of Batanguilon, Binawian, Carol-an, Kalubihan, Lumboy, Mansumbil, and Tugas received the CPSU GAD-sponsored solar floodlight and solar panel, and also expressed their commitment to engaging in the fruit tree-planting trade-off.

Formally opening and closing the event, GAD Office Director Ma’am Shirley Calugcugan conveyed the opening and closing remarks, encouraging the recipients to actively participate in the protection of the environment and inviting them to join future GAD trainings for livelihood and income-generating activities.

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