Government launches A Liter of Light Program by using Solar Bottle Bulbs to give Brighter Hope to the Poor

solar bottle light bulb
Solar light bulb made from plastic bottles.

Designed and developed by the team recognized from M(–foul word(s) removed–)achusetts Institute of Technology, the Solar Bottle Light becomes an innovation to solve the unending problems with regards to power shortage in the Philippines.

Households from both rural and urban areas in the country face difficulty in maintaining their legal electricity leading to several problems of accessing light. Some were observed to live in darkness even during the day due to a lack of light source.

To solve this concern, the government gives way to the Solar Bottle Light as a purpose of giving a simple way to fill in the needs of those residents who cannot afford to sustain the need to acquire an electric light supply.

Isang Litrong Liwanag (A Liter of Light) is a project developed by the students of M(–foul word(s) removed–)achusetts Institute of Technology to be able to share a low-cost technology that will sustain the energy needs in developing communities like the Philippines.

A total of 120 households were lit up through the efforts of the Manila City government by installing the “solar bottle bulbs” on the roofs of Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila earlier this month.

The “solar bottle bulbs” are merely clear plastic soda bottles complete with a mixture of chlorine and purified water. The reason of mixing chlorine is to keep the molds from developing into the water making it to last even with a span of five years. Whereas, it is encouraged to use a distilled or purified water to be able to keep the water clear for refraction.

Through a hole, half of each solar bottle will be implanted on the roof of a house while a sealant will then be applied in order to prevent leaks.

A solar bottle bulb produces an energy that is equivalent to a 55-watt electric lamp. One would only spend an amount between P100 to P200 to produce a solar bottle bulb. With a 24-hour use of this cheap light source, a household will be able to save around 40% of their monthly expenses.

A brighter hope is now at hand as the “Isang Litrong Liwanag–The Solar Bottle Bulb Project” continues to be promoted in the Philippines through the MyShelter Foundation Inc. The province of San Pedro, Laguna has already benefited with such project early this year.

To make the project successful, the Manila City government and Meralco decided to shoulder the expenses in making the solar bulbs. The one who organized the residents’ training on how to utilize and make the solar bulbs were conducted by MyShelter Foundation.

Indeed, Mayor Alfredo Lim has said that he was hopeful that some houses located in Baseco stressing those from depressed communities in Tondo such as Isla Puting Bato, Parola and Happyland will now be equipped with solar bulbs.

The solar bottle bulb becomes a helpful way of giving a brighter hope to households who often experience darkness even during the day.

12 thoughts on “Government launches A Liter of Light Program by using Solar Bottle Bulbs to give Brighter Hope to the Poor”

  1. it looks wise and of course pracitical, but knowing us filipinos, we would rather go hungry than look baduy, we can afford to buy a pack cigarette and ignore our hunger, we could go malling most of the time or watch soap operas and feel good t.v. programs than find ways to earn a descent living. too negative? what about 80 percent of the filipinos out 94 million individuals are poor? too much? naaahhh you can’t notice when you’re too much entertained with the fantasies of bahala na. am i lecturing check out your seatmate baka nakawan ka kasi walang pambili ng cellfone. hahahahaha

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  2. hi Jamylyn! I’m one of the volunteers who worked on this project and hope you would appreciate a few clarifications on the article. 🙂
    – Although the Solar Bottle Bulb was developed by MIT students, it was Illac Diaz who brought it here in the country. He was fortunate enough to be part of that MIT team while he studied there. He then recognized how applicable the technology is for the urban poor communities in the Philippines so he kept the technology in mind.
    – This year, through MyShelter Foundation, where Illac serves as its Executive Director, with help from its partners (such as Rotary Intl, LGUs, creative partners)and a team of volunteers, the “1sang Litrong Liwanag” campaign was conceptualized.
    – the first implementation was in Sitio Maligaya, San Pedro, Laguna; 600+ bulbs were distributed and more are being replicated by the residents themselves. it expanded to the relocation area in San Pedro were they have 300+ bulbs and counting.
    – aside from the City of Manila, this project has already been adopted in Cebu, Bataan, Bulacan, Batangas, Boracay, and many others have expressed interest, particularly from local government units (LGUs).
    – feel free to visit http://www.isanglitrongliwanag.org for more details or email [email protected] for inquiries
    Much, much thanks for the write up!

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  3. Illac Diaz is one of my favorite social entrepreneur from the Philippines. One of his project is located on the island of Negros Occidental my hometown. I’m proud to be a Filipino. Illac Diaz should be recognized.

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