On March 22, 2019, the SOLARES project staff visited Kiamba, Sarangani to meet and discuss with MLGU Kiamba. The SOLARES team introduced the project including the project framework and the target beneficiaries, 10 barangays and tentatively 680 target households within Kiamba.
Councilor Jeric Santillana mentioned that a previous project with SOCOTECOII and the government, failed to continue due to issues in land permit and right of way. Unfortunately, households in Datu Dani already paid for the said service. Posts, cables, and all other necessary materials were procured but the project was put to a halt.
Mr. Antonio Yasana mentioned that most barangays in Kiamba are already energized; he provided a list of possible beneficiaries including households in Nalus, Green Valley, Badtasan, Banate and Salakit. Mr. Yasana also invited the team to the Kiamba ABC meeting on April 1, 2019 to further introduce SOLARES to the barangay captains and gauge their interests on the project.
SB Secretary and KIMEMCO Chairperson, Ms. Jane Rojas expressed interest in the project and was pleased that Kiamba was chosen as one of the beneficiaries. Due to her interest in Tableau, which is a software for interactive data visualizations, it was agreed that Mahintana would introduce Tableau to the cooperative, in return, they would share their CBMS file which will aid the project in determining viable beneficiaries.
On the afternoon of the same day, the team headed off to Maitum, Sarangani to meet with the LGUs and discuss/introduce the project to them.
At Maitum on the same day, Maitum MLGOO Mr. Rodolfo Jerez mentioned that the project will be helpful in the remote areas of Maitum, especially in Batian and Zion. It could improve the quality of life in the areas. He expressed his willingness to help Mahintana Foundation, Inc. in any way he can.
Maitum Municipal Administrator Mr. Ruben Balanag was also pleased that Maitum was one of the beneficiaries of the project, reaching about 890 households. He welcomed Mahintana to Maitum and added that he can offer police assistance to Mahintana when conducting site visits.