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» AMORE
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BACKGROUND
Energy is fundamental to economic growth and a catalyst for alleviating poverty in the Philippines, particularly in remote rural communities in Mindanao where about 60% of the population live below the poverty threshold. People remain poor because they are denied access to basic opportunities for development like electricity. The nation faces a major challenge of bringing electricity to more than 3,500 barangays (rural communities). Roughly half of these communities are ideal candidates for renewable energy electrification because they cannot bring electricity economically from existing electricity grids.
The Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE), a seven-year project of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in partnership with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, through the Department of Energy and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the private sector through Mirant Philippines, provides a sustainable approach to bring electricity to these remote communities with renewable energy. AMORE aims to establish sustainable renewable energy systems in at least 360 remote rural communities of former rebel combatants in Western and Central Mindanao. This program will also contribute to peace and development initiatives in Mindanao by improving the quality of life in these communities.
PROGRAM
Under this program, USAID supports strong community participation in designing and operating renewable energy systems. Activities build strong local technical and financial capacity to effectively collect user fees, maintain and expand renewable energy systems in remote rural barangays.
Mirant Philippines, as part of their corporate social responsibility in alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable economic growth in remote rural areas, has procured renewable energy equipment for the identified areas. USAID provides technical expertise and training for the installation, operation and maintenance of the systems.
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENT
The AMORE project has accomplished the ff:
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Electrified more than 5,500 households in 200 remote rural barangays of former rebel soldiers using solar photovoltaic cell and micro-hydro power systems.
Installed 300 renewable energy powered street light and illuminated 142 community centers.
Organized 205 Barangay Renewable Energy and Community Development Associations (BRECDAs) that plan and manage the electrification systems in their communities.
Strengthened the capability of the communities to operate, maintain and expand the renewable energy systems.
Established an Operations and Maintenance Fund (OMF) mechanism for each community. This will serve as a system for the efficient collection of community funds on an on-going basis to cover expenses.
Shared information among stakeholders and potential participants on lessons learned in providing rural electrification with renewable energy
Developed a policy and procedure for the appropriate disposal of used batteries to a recycling center.
SUCCESS STORY
Abdulhil Alih, Chairman of the AMORE-established Barangay Renewable Energy and Community Development Association in Pababag, said that the lights, the trainings and the other socioeconomic interventions that AMORE has extended to his community gave them a new sense of security. "The people here are not as easily convinced anymore to join the Abu Sayyaf or other renegade groups, because they can really see now how the lives of people here are progressing."
Jabidi Talib meanwhile said, "AMORE gives us a chance not only to have electricity, not only to develop our barangay, but also to develop personally.. Through our BRECDA, we are given opportunities for basic trainings on financial management, leadership, and skills development.. These skills, we can use to make our BRECDA stronger and more sustainable."
topMORE INFO
Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE)
Grantee: Winrock International
Period Covered: 2002-2009
Mechanism: Cooperative Agreement
Chief of Party, Winrock Int'l
1501 Jolibee Plaza
Emerald Avenue
Ortigas Center, Pasig City
Philippines
Tel (632) 687-9091/92
Fax (632) 631-8215
cop@amore.org.ph