To illuminate the households in far-flung and isolated areas of Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, the Central Philippines State University (CPSU) and the 15th Infantry “Molave Warrior” Battalion, Philippine Army (15IB PA) provided the community with solar lights and panels.

 The initiative is the realization of Phase 1 of the “Paghatag sang SUGA sa Komunidad: Solar Utility for Growth and Advancement (SUGA) Project – A Collaborative for Empowering Communities through Sustainable Energy” of the CPSU and 15IB partnership, providing twenty-five (25) units of solar lights with solar panels in its Phase 1, last July 29, 2026.

 Through the initiative, the parties provide solar-powered lighting and charging stations to underserved households in remote communities that remain beyond the reach of conventional electrification services.

 Recognizing the need to extend government services to communities to help uplift the quality of life of isolated communities, Project SUGA provides renewable-energy-powered lighting and charging stations to give vulnerable households access to essential services while making daily household activities more convenient, particularly for women and children.

 To support development in isolated communities by providing access to sustainable green technology without requiring any financial counterpart from beneficiaries, Project SUGA highly encourages the participation of the project beneficiaries in CPSU’s 1 Million Trees and Counting” reforestation program by lifelong planting of 300 target fruit trees.

 CPSU's Mr. Antonio Siroy conducted a short practical training on the installation and troubleshooting of the solar lights and solar panel units among the program beneficiaries to capacitate them in operating the said assets, empowering local community members.

 Project SUGA is CPSU and the 15IB PA’s response to Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach, which targets the root cause of insurgency by prioritizing and harmonizing the delivery of basic services and social development packages by the government, in alignment with the achievement of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 Through the project, the 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) reaffirms its commitment to serving and protecting the Filipino people by supporting peace and development initiatives and strengthening collaboration among government agencies; meanwhile, CPSU advances peace and nation-building by empowering learners and communities with the knowledge and skills needed to address the root causes of conflict, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable development.

 Project SUGA is an undertaking spearheaded by the Office of the University President, led by Dr. Aladino C. Moraca for CPSU, and by the CMO Officer, CAPTAIN JOSE ADRIAN D RETES, for 15IB PA, being realized through the signed Memorandum of Partnership with the parties last April 22, 2026, at CPSU Main Campus.

 CPSU’s Gender and Development Office (GAD), headed by Director Ma’am Shirley A. Calugcugan, and its Extension and Community Services Office, headed by Dr. Jimmy O. Degillo, contributed to the realization of the undertaking, working in close coordination with 15IB PA and the Barangay Local Government Unit.