CEBU, Philippines — Vivant Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Cebu-based Vivant Corporation, has introduced a solar component for the Electricians’ Installation and Maintenance (EIM) course, approved by the Department of Education (DepEd).
This addition to its programs, aims to equip senior high school students with practical skills in solar technology, addressing the growing demand for expertise in renewable energy systems.
In an interview, Shem Jose Garcia, executive director of Vivant Foundation, said that the initiative aligns with the foundation’s commitment to sustainable solutions for off-grid communities.
“Our goal is to empower graduates with the skills to support solar technology in their communities, particularly in remote areas with limited access to skilled technicians,” Garcia said.
Since 2018, Vivant Foundation has electrified 21 schools nationwide, starting with Hilutungan Integrated School in Bantayan, Cebu. However, maintenance challenges emerged as local communities lacked the technical know-how to sustain these solar installations.
To address this gap, the foundation incorporated solar photovoltaic (PV) training into the EIM course, ensuring students gain hands-on expertise in system upkeep.
“While EIM courses covered modern technology like security systems, they lacked training on solar PV systems,” Garcia explained. This curriculum, he added, is vital for addressing the needs of communities relying on renewable energy.
Pilot Launch in Cebu Schools
The solar curriculum, launched during Vivant Foundation’s 10th anniversary celebration, will initially be implemented in 10 partner schools across Cebu. Following a one-year pilot, DepEd will evaluate the program for potential nationwide implementation.
Garcia also called on other organizations to adopt the curriculum through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, ensuring a broader impact.
“We can’t do it everywhere, so we encourage other foundations and companies in the tech-voc space to use this curriculum to help update the skills of future electricians,” he said.
Developed in collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and DepEd, the curriculum includes teacher training and the donation of specialized equipment worth approximately P800,000 per school.
Vivant Foundation also has converted some classrooms into fully equipped workshops to facilitate hands-on learning.
Graduates of the program are expected to secure jobs with contractors specializing in solar installations or use the training as a foundation for further studies in engineering or electrical fields.
Advancing CSR
in Renewable Energy
As the corporate social responsibility arm of publicly listed Vivant Corp., which operates in the power and water sectors, Vivant Foundation is at the forefront of integrating renewable energy solutions into education.
According to Garcia, the foundation hopes this initiative will inspire more organizations to address gaps in the K-12 system, ensuring students graduate with job-ready skills for a sustainable future.