MAGWAWA SOLAR BATTERY CHARGING STATION

          The Magwawa Solar battery charging station is managed by the Barangay Magwawa Renewable Energy Community Development Association (BAMARECDA).

It was established in 2003 composed of 30 household members. The given project brought electricity to the lives to the residents of Magwawa, where children can study at night and the elders were entertained from transistor radios and can even sing along with karaoke. They were also been educated from the news through the radio. For the past four (4) years, the organization enjoys its success in terms of financial and organizational management. The members are still intact abiding the organizations rules and policies. Not just the people of Brgy. Magwawa enjoys the benefits and services of the battery charging station but also the neighboring barangays can access the services of the station. This makes an advantage because it brought additional income to the organization. Liza Borja who is the current president of BAMARECDA shared a success story of the organization. For the past 4 years, they managed to maintain good management practices, they were able to maintain regular meetings and re-election of officers. Their monthly tariff collection is stable and the operation and maintenance funds has been maintained and been used to replace the old expired batteries. Liza also shared their financial investment where all members enjoy the profit.

The organization decided to accept a coconut plantation “prenda”. They made a policy and scheme for the mode of payment. Every crop yield every 3 months will be divided into 2 parts, the fist part is to return the capital amount and the second part is to be divided to the members who are assigned to receive on the certain date of harvest. During the interview Liza said that almost of the members already have their share and the amount invested has been returned. Presently, the organization planned to put up a “Botika ng Barangay” from the organizations Capital Build Up, where medicines be sold at a very low price which is not only the people of Magwawa can benefit but also the neighboring barangays.

          The electric provider is about to reach Brgy. Magwawa and the organization is worried what is going to happen to the association, they were very hopeful that Yamog can help them to make alternate project out of the charging station. They recommend to help them to put up a Solar Water Pumping Station where water is also scarce in their barangay. Liza said, through the years of their use of the charging station life makes easier for them.