Panasonic Donates 3,900 Solar Lanterns to 14 Humanitarian

Manila, Philippines, 14 February 2017 – As part of its global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project”, Panasonic Corporation donated 3,900 solar lanterns to 14 humanitarian and non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. Out of these 3,900 pieces, 1,500 were personal donations made by employees under the cafeteria plan. The latest donation drive has brought this initiative to its 4^th year and with a total of 9,714 pieces of solar lanterns.

A donation ceremony was held at Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC) in Taytay, Rizal; graced by Mr. Felino O. Castro V (Director, Department of Social Welfare and Development), Mr. Koji Otani (First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines), Mr. Shinichi Hayashi (President, PMPC) and other employees from Panasonic.

Mr. Hayashi commented, “Today’s donation marks the fourth of such efforts in the Philippines under the company’s “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project”. Over the past three years, we have received positive feedback from the organizations. The solar lanterns have been used in the fields of education, healthcare and livelihood for the betterment of the indigenous people, who are still left behind without access to electricity in mountainous areas, remote islands and those affected by natural disasters. Panasonic will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as corporate citizen in the country through various initiatives, and one of which is through the provision of safe and stable electric lighting to the underserved and vulnerable people.”

Approximately 16%[1] (1.2 billion people) of the world’s population still live without access to electricity and the national non-electrification rate of the Philippines is approximately 11%.[2] With the lack of electricity, it means daily lives can be greatly affected.

The aim of the Panasonic global “100 Thousand Solar Lanterns Project” is to improve such electrification needs, namely - access to education, healthcare and business opportunities through the use of the company’s technology and product. Each donated solar lantern is attached to a solar panel. Through the use of renewable solar energy, the product not only mitigates social challenges, but also contributes to carbon dioxide emission reduction. Till date, the target remains at donating 100,000 units of the compact lighting devices to areas in emerging and developing countrieswith limited electricity access by 2018, the company’s 100^th year anniversary.

Panasonic hopes its solar lanterns will provide a better life, a better world for the people of the Philippines and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The 14 Organizations that Received Solar Lanterns in the Philippines (in alphabetical order):

1. Center for Excellence in Special Education (Stepping Stone) Foundation Inc.
2. Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation Inc.
3. Davao Medical School Foundation, Inc. - Institute of Primary Health Care
4. Interfaith Partnership for the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood, Inc.
5. International Children's Action Network (ICAN) Foundation
6. Japanese Red Cross Society
7. Jesus V. Del Rosario Foundation, Inc.
8. Josefa Segovia Foundation, Inc.
9. Konkokyo Peace Activity Center Information Office, Inc.
10. Mangyan Mission, Inc.
11. Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka
12. Philippine Business for Social Progress
13. Pilipinas Shell Foundation, Inc.
14. Synergeia Foundation, Inc.

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    About Panasonic

    Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, enterprise solutions and device industries. Since its founding in 1918, the company has expanded globally and now operates 474 subsidiaries and 94 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.553 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2016. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: http://www.panasonic.com/global.

[1]Source: “World Energy Outlook 2016” by International Energy Agency

[2]Source: “World Energy Outlook 2016” by International Energy Agency

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