AUTHOR/S: Nelson H. Enano, Jr., Randell U. Espina
DATE COMPLETED:
KEYWORDS: Disaster recovery, disaster management, renewable energy, solar-photovoltaic, political dynamics, resiliency
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the potential of a solar-photovoltaic charging facility as an important technological intervention in times of large-scale disaster relief operation. The study was conducted after tropical storm Bopha, locally known as ‘Pablo’, hits the central eastern part of Mindanao, the Philippines. Twenty-four (24) partners in the Davao region, which were devastated by the typhoon, were identified and selected as beneficiaries. The solar-photovoltaic charging facilities were installed at the Barangay halls, local schools, gymnasiums, centers and a church.
Solar-photovoltaic charging facility has an indispensable role in risk management, response and recovery efforts. In times of natural disasters, provision for electricity even if limited only for lighting and communication purposes was found to be very significant to the lives of the peoples in the affected areas. The study recommends that solar-photovoltaic or other renewable energy technologies should be included into integrated emergency, climate adaptation and resilience strategies. To address some of the identified contextual factors, such as lack of technical expertise, high cost of the technology, and political dynamics in the locality, it is highly recommended that a private-public partnership be initiated and forged by the vital offices and organizations in the affected communities.
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