Solar energy powers Lawin implementation in Quezon province

DENR PENRO Alfredo Palencia and representatives from Team Energy Foundation, Inc. (TEFI) and the CENROs within Quezon present the portable solar panels and power banks during the handover ceremony.

To support the implementation of the Lawin Forest and Biodiversity Protection System (Lawin) in Quezon Province, the Team Energy Foundation (TEFI) donated 24 units of portable solar panels and power banks to be used by DENR’s forest rangers to conduct regular forest patrols.

USAID's Biodiversity and Watersheds Improved for Stronger Economy and Ecosystem Resilience (B+WISER) Program facilitated a partnership between TEFI and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 4A. B+WISER’s technology-based Lawin system uses smartphones and tablets to record geo-referenced data on forest conditions, observed wildlife and threats. Keeping these gadgets sufficiently powered while on patrol is a challenge. “Our patrollers have been trained to implement the Lawin System and we have been doing patrols regularly,” says Alfredo Palencia, DENR Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer. “However, one problem of our patrollers is that their phones lose power while on patrol and they have to go back to the office just to charge,” Palencia continues. TEFI’s portable solar panels can solve this problem. Attached to patrollers’ backpacks the solar panels can charge a battery pack while on patrol. TEFI explained that the donated equipment showcases the Foundation’s advocacy to promote renewable energy. “Renewable energy, particularly solar energy can be used in many applications, and we’ve always dreamed of having a program that will incorporate solar energy with biodiversity conservation,” says Roderick De Castro, TEFI’s Executive Director. “Through this equipment, we hope we would be able to contribute to the work of DENR and USAID in protecting the country’s biodiversity through the Lawin System,” De Castro adds. The Province of Quezon in Region 4A covers more than 200,000 hectares of forest.

 

TEFI Executive Director Roderick de Castro handing the portable solar panel and power bank to DENR Quezon PENRO Alfredo Palencia.