The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) recently inaugurated the first All-Lights Village (ALV) for an Agta community in Cagayan Valley province, which aims to provide electricity to learning spaces and households in the country—especially those in the far-flung areas.

The DepEd and GPF Philippines turned over at least 60 solar lights to the Agta community in Cagayan and three solar lamp posts and two solar lights to Pureg Primary School.

Pureg Primary School caters to the villagers of the Agta community. It consists of two school buildings, which house Kindergarten and Grades 1-4 students, with three teachers facilitating over more than 60 children.

The school also offers Alternative Learning System (ALS) classes for the adults who are not able to attend class during the day because they have to work.

“We hope that with these small lights, our children may dream and put into reality all our hopes and dreams,” Global Peace Foundation—Asia Pacific President Jinsoo Kim said.

Elpidio Tiene, chieftain of the Agta community, expressed his gratitude, saying that donors and volunteers are the “light of their community.”

Education Secretary Armin Luistro explained the importance of the indigenous peoples (IP) communities for the country’s growth.