Solar Hope has been reaching out to the Bajao community in Batangas since 2017. At first, our plan was to provide electrification for the community but we had a difficult time securing funding as the community are informal settlers, investors seem that their investment would not be sustainable if they transfer to a new location.

They are located in Brgy. Malitam, Batangas City. Previously they lived in Isla Noah but due to climate change, it is now submerged underwater. See map for reference. 

After a series of community engagements, outreaches, community profiling, mapping and consultation, we understood that the top 3 needs of the community are Land, Education and Livelihood. 

So starting 2019, Solar Hope started focusing its efforts and initiatives in supporting the education of the Bajaos. Solar Hope worked closely with Malitam Elementary School and Sitio Bajaoan Daycare Center, the local schools in the community where Bajao children also go to school. We provided educational assistance, books, donation drives, feeding program and many more to continue the community engagements.

The project is called Project “Sahaya”, which means light and hope in Sama Bajao language. From 2017 up to present, Solar Hope has continued to work with various partners in uplifting the lives of the Bajao community,

Here’s the timeline of Bajao Community Initiatives:

1. Bajao First Visit – Oct 30, 2017
2. Community Profiling and Mapping – Dec 16, 2017
3. Basic Solar Education – Dec 17, 2017
4. Solar Hope AVP Making – Feb 3, 2018
5. Planning with Community Champions – Apr 22, 2018
6. Mother’s Day Celebration – May 20, 2018
7. Father’s Day Celebration – Jul 28, 2018
8. Spoonful of Hope – Sep 22, 2018
9. Solar Hope 1st Anniversary – Dec 1, 2018
10. Book Donation Drive – Apr 27, 2019
11. Project Sahaya Initial Scoping – Nov 15, 2019
12. Community Census – Nov 16, 2019
13. Bajao Community Ocular – Sep 28, 2023
14. Enchanted Kingdom Tour: Bajaos – Aug 31, 2024
15. Twenty Three (23) Solar Streetlights for Bajao Community – Sep 14, 2024
16. Bajao Kitchen Daycare – Nov 9, 2024
17. Turn-over of Malitam Water System – Feb 8, 2025
18. Sinag ng Pangarap Malitam & 4 Solar Streetlights for Malitam School Court – Mar 29, 2025
19. Eleven (11) Solar Streetlights for Bajao Community – Mar 29, 2025
20. Handrails for Bajao Community Stairs for Dike – Mar 29, 2025
21. Ten (10) Solar Lights for Bajao Fishermen – Mar 29, 2025