In these uncertain times when we most need light, there are still communities in the Philippines who live in the darkness of their own houses after the sun sets.

Burias and Ticao Islands are located in the Province of Masbate. According to the 2015 census, Burias Island has a population of 90,300 while Ticao Island has 95,129. Burias Island has two municipalities: Claveria and San Pascual, while Ticao Island has four municipalities: Batuan, Monreal, San Fernando, and San Jacinto.

Boca Engano is a barangay in the municipality of Claveria, a 3rd class municipality located at the Burias Island. As determined by the 2015 Census, the barangay has a population of 1,976, which represents 4.52% of the total population of Claveria.

Guinhadap, on the other hand, is a barangay in the municipality of Monreal, a 4th class municipality located at the Ticao Island. As determined by the 2015 Census, the barangay has a population of 2,527, which represents 9.5% of the total population of Monreal.

Now more than ever, these two barangays need our help.

Most of the children in Barangays Boca Engano and Guinhadap still need to continue their studies before dark. Fishermen go out and still use kingki or the kerosene lamp, which contains sulfur and other impurities that can give an unpleasant oily smell when it burns. The smell can oftentimes cause the fishermen to suffer from headaches. Some households are fortunate to have generators that they use as a source of income. They share their electricity to other households for P20 per bulb, which only lasts for 6 hours - from 6pm to 12 midnight.

With your help, we know we can raise P600,000 to provide 400 solar lights to the community of Boca Engano and Guinhadap. We now have handheld devices that can provide lights with just one tap.

Let us support the lives of those who feed us and help our fisherfolk and their families rise above this crisis. Together, we can #ChangeTheEnding and send them the gift of light today!