Mariano Marcos
State University

Univ student group to launch PailaJuan project

By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr.

A student association of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) will launch a rural electrification project for remote areas in Ilocos Norte on July 1. 

MINDS or the Movement of Ilocos Norte Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Scholars will start lighting up the homes of 41 indigent families from Batac, Bacarra, Dingras, and Sarrat through its project named PailaJuan. 

In line with Pasilaw project of the MMSU’s Integrated Institute of Electrical Engineers, PailaJuan is funded by the DOST Science Education Institute (SEI) and the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC). 

Ms. April Jieren R. Muska, MINDS president, said the project involves the installation of electrical lines and distribution of solar-powered lamps to 10 households from each town through the assistance of INEC. 

“Through the project, we hope to promote a safe environment for the residents by the use of renewable energy and to inculcate the sense of volunteerism among the DOST-SEI scholars,” she said. 

The beneficiaries were identified through the towns’ social welfare and development offices. 

INEC has already turned over the electrical supplies to the student association last June 16.

With the assistance of the MMSU Office for Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), MINDS will distribute the supplies along with emergency kits, conduct orientation, and provide monitoring services to the beneficiaries. (StratCom)