Vivant expands Project Liadlaw across Panay communities

Vivant Foundation Inc. has expanded its Project Liadlaw renewable energy and education program into Western Visayas through initiatives in Iloilo and Antique that combine technical training, solar-powered healthcare and support for basic education.

The Cebu-based foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Vivant Corp., recently turned over technical-vocational equipment to Anilao National High School in Iloilo, a rooftop solar power system to the Rural Health Center of Anini-y in Antique, and a library package to San Ramon Elementary School in Anini-y.

The expansion marks a broader direction for Project Liadlaw, which began by bringing solar power to off-grid and underserved public schools in Bantayan Island, Cebu, and is now extending into renewable energy skills training and support for essential public services.

At Anilao National High School, the foundation donated Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-standard Electrical Installation and Maintenance, or EIM, and solar photovoltaic tools and equipment.

The assistance also includes retrofitting the school’s EIM laboratory and providing solar photovoltaic training for teachers so students under the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track can receive more practical instruction in electrical installation and renewable energy technologies.

For communities such as Anilao, the initiative links classroom training with an energy sector that is increasingly adopting renewable technologies, giving students access to equipment and skills that can improve their readiness for technical work after graduation.

“Project Liadlaw has grown beyond providing solar power to schools. Today, it is also helping prepare young people for careers in renewable energy while supporting public facilities that communities rely on every day. We are grateful to our partners in Anilao and Anini-y for sharing our commitment to creating opportunities through sustainable development,” said Shem Jose Garcia, Executive Director of Vivant Foundation.

Anilao National High School Principal Ana Liza S. Apura said the equipment would strengthen the school’s technical-vocational program by improving students’ access to practical training.

“This support will greatly enhance our Technical-Vocational-Livelihood program by giving our students access to industry-standard tools and equipment. It will strengthen hands-on learning and better prepare them for careers in electrical installation and solar technology,” she said.

Also present during the Anilao turnover were Municipal Vice Mayor Lyka Joy Debuque Gelle and Sangguniang Bayan members Marina Buyco, Matthew Mana-ay, Aljer Lamprea, Regina Glimero, Eduardo Jorque Jr., Alex Araño, Christine Buyco and Isidro Arandilla.

Barangay captains Susan Lamprea and Christine Batilo also attended, together with Emerson Franco, municipal tourism officer and representative of the mayor.

In Antique, Vivant Foundation turned over a 3.78-kilowatt-peak rooftop solar photovoltaic system to the Municipality of Anini-y Rural Health Center.

The system is intended to provide a more reliable source of daytime electricity for clinical services and medical equipment while helping the health center reduce electricity expenses.

For a rural health facility, dependable power can directly affect the continuity of basic medical services, particularly when electricity is needed to operate equipment and maintain daily clinical functions.

During the same activity, the foundation donated a library package to San Ramon Elementary School to support reading and learning among students.

“What makes these projects meaningful is that they address real community needs. In Anilao, we’re helping equip students with practical skills for an evolving energy sector. In Anini-y, we’re helping ensure that essential health services have a more reliable source of electricity. These are investments that we hope will continue to benefit the communities for many years,” said Benjamin Chiu, Assistant Vice President of Vivant Foundation.

Anini-y Municipal Mayor Maxfil B. Policar, who received the solar installation on behalf of the municipality, said reliable electricity was important to maintaining healthcare services in rural communities.

“Reliable electricity is essential to delivering quality healthcare, especially in our rural communities. This solar power system will help our health center operate more efficiently while allowing us to reduce electricity costs. We are grateful to Vivant Foundation for this partnership and for supporting the well-being of our constituents,” he said.

San Ramon Elementary School Head Mary Grace Seduco said the library package would provide students with more opportunities to engage with books and new ideas.

“The library package will encourage our learners to read, explore, and discover new ideas. We sincerely appreciate Vivant Foundation for helping create a more engaging learning environment for our students,” she said.

Project Liadlaw has evolved through partnerships with the Department of Education and TESDA, with the foundation later integrating solar technology into the EIM curriculum.

The approach allows students to gain practical renewable energy skills while also helping participating schools develop the capacity to maintain the solar systems installed in their communities.

The Iloilo and Antique projects extend that model beyond simply providing equipment by combining infrastructure with skills development and institutional support.

For the beneficiary communities, the longer-term value of the program will depend on whether the donated systems and equipment translate into stronger technical competencies, lower operating costs for public facilities and improved access to learning and healthcare services.