15 April 2014 – Fresh from their missions to Guiuan, Samar, the French non-governmental organization (NGO) Electricians Without Borders (ESF) held a conference on the importance of electricity in humanitarian crises on March 12 in Paris, France.

After raising over 240,000 euros, seven teams composed of 21 persons in total went to Guiuan, Samar to restore electricity in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

After four months from November 2013 to February 2014 – 96 power generators and 650 street lights were installed and 65 barangays, four evacuation centers, and several bunkhouses were provided with electricity. Over 52,000 residents benefited from the ESF mission.

A documentary entitled “Thank you for the light,” which chronicled ESF’s mission in Samar, was shown during the conference. This was followed by a debate participated in by Third Secretary and Vice Consul Rapunzel Acop.

Ms. Acop thanked ESF as well as its donors and partners for its mission to the Philippines. She took the opportunity to provide updates on the power restoration in all affected areas by March 31.

When asked if ESF’s work was still relevant in the Philippines, Ms. Acop replied “France is one of the world leaders in energy production, while energy is one of the Philippines’ major areas for improvement. Our country’s needs can be your opportunities.” END