Panasonic donates 2,550 solar lanterns

Manila, Philippines,  December 2017 – As part of its global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” Panasonic Corporation (PC) donated 2,550 solar lanterns to 10 humanitarian and non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. The latest donation drive has brought this initiative to its 5^th year and with a total of 12,264 pieces of solar lanterns.

Panasonic Corporation (PC) donates 2,550 solar lanterns as part of its global 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project.  A hand-over ceremony attended by more than 50 guests was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V (10^th from left); PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi (holding a solar lantern board); and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda (8^th from right).  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota (4^th from left); Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi (7^th from left); Assistant Director Marlon Molano (2^nd from right); Assistant Director Robert Pacheco (1^st from left); and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento (2^nd from left) with the officers and representatives of the 10 recipient-humanitarian and non-government organizations: Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation; Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation; Davao Medical School Foundation - Institute of Primary Health Care; Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood; Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation; Josefa Segovia Foundation; Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office; Philippine Business for Social Progress; Pilipinas Shell Foundation; and Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (National Confederation of Small Farmers' and Fishers' Organization). 

This year marks the final year of the said Project. To date, over 92,000 lanterns have been donated through 131 humanitarian organizations in 30 countries since its debut in 2012.

A donation ceremony was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal graced by DSWD-Disaster Response Assistance and Management Bureau Director Felino Castro V; PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi; and PC-CSR & Citizenship Group, Program Management Section Leader Haruhisa Okuda.  Other members of PMPC management include Executive Director Masaru Toyota; Executive Director Yoshiyuki Takahashi; Assistant Director Marlon Molano; Assistant Director Robert Pacheco; Refrigerator Business Division Head Angelo Tamayo; and Air Conditioner Business Division Head Harry Sarmiento.

PMPC President Shinichi Hayashi 

Mr. Hayashi commented, “Today’s donation marks the 5th of such efforts in the Philippines under the “Panasonic 100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project,” which is one of the clear manifestations of Panasonic commitment to serve society and help improve the lives of people along with the aspiration of having a world where “no one will be left behind” and in pursuing ‘A Better Life, A Better World’.  Since the time the Project was introduced in the Philippines, we continue to receive positive feedbacks and testimonies that serve as inspiration for us to strive for more, exerting our best effort to carry out our responsibilities as corporate citizens.”

In introducing the 10 recipient-organizations of the donation for fiscal year 2017, Mr. Okuda presented some reports on how the solar lanterns are now helping the beneficiaries. 

“We are glad that our Solar Lanterns Project is really serving its purpose with reports that with the solar lanterns donated by Panasonic, teachers and school children without access to electricity are now conducting tutorial lessons, meetings, making lesson plans, and instructional materials even beyond class hours.  Likewise, teachers are delighted that the solar lanterns allow them to carry on with their classes even when the weather is gloomy,” Okuda said.

The aim of the Panasonic global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project” is to improve such electrification needs, namely - access to education, healthcare and business opportunities through the use of the company’s technology and product.  Each donated solar lantern is attached to a solar panel. Through the use of renewable solar energy, the product not only mitigates social challenges, but also contributes to carbon dioxide emission reduction. Till date, the target remains at donating 100,000 units of the compact lighting devices to areas in emerging and developing countries with limited electricity access by 2018, the company’s 100th year anniversary.

The 10 organizations that received Solar Lanterns in the Philippines:

1. Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation Inc. 

2. Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc. 

3. Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. - Institute of Primary Health Care 

4. Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood, Inc. 

5. Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc. 

6. Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc. 

7. Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office, Inc. 

8. Philippine Business for Social Progress  

9. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc. 

10. Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (National Confederation of        Small Farmers' and Fishers' Organization)

Panasonic hopes its solar lanterns will provide a better life, a better world for the people of the Philippines and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).