Raffy Tanpho of One Million Lights Philippines accepts TAYO award from President Aquino.

Philippines President Aquino recognizes Mark Lozano & Catherine Peralta for jump-starting the Philippine One Million Lights movement.

One Million Lights Philippines brought solar-powered lights to off-grid rural communities in Catanduanes, in May 2011. See the video documenting the inspiring student-led distribution.

Read the story of family of six living in Barangay Dulao, in Lagawe, Ifugao. Dulao is an isolated community located within the river basin of the Magat Hydroelectric Dam. It is ironic that though this source of electricity is so near, having access to electricity is far from being realized.

The island-province of Catanduanes, in Eastern Philippines, is a land of lush greenery with a flowing river filled with fish. However life can be difficult for a typical family there. This is the story of Joel, a plantation worker, and how he manages with his wife and 5 children.

I did not know what to expect. Just arriving in Barangay Dugui Too on the back of a garbage truck got my heart pumping.  Smiles and curious faces greeted us as we arrived at the distribution zone, a rundown basketball court. The children, as in most areas, were the most curious and watched us prepare for the day closely. I asked my self, “What would become of this day?”  This was the day that would determine the success or failure in lighting up the lives of Filipinos quite literally.

Kalinga and Apayao are provinces in the Philippines which are part of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) located in the northern part of Luzon. The largest and most pressing issues in these provinces are education, healthcare, infrastructure, and electricity. Read more about the area’s resources, issues, and environment.

This article was published in the Ayala Alabang Village Association News, the community newsletter of Tricia and Mark’s village. It tells the story of Mark’s inspiration after attending the Global Youth Leaders Conference in Washington D.C.