Schoolwork under ‘motorbike light’

Please consider this as a suggestion on how to improve the performance of our schoolchildren in remote areas that are not served electricity, and thus contribute to nation-building.

It is a fact that after sunset, millions of children have to read, write and do their homework under poor lighting conditions because their barangays or homes have no access to electric service, which is why they are doing poorly in school.

It is also a fact that their families at times have to use food money to buy candles or kerosene for lamps to light up their houses; but that the fumes and smoke from these ancient lighting devices are dangerous to their health—and homes which could be gutted by accidental fire.

On the other hand, there are also millions of motorbikes and tricycles each with a 12V DC battery. And these batteries are in fact “a store of idle power” uselessly parked in their owners’ homes every night.

This “store of idle power” can be tapped by just installing an “auto cigarette lighter socket,” like the one found in most cars, and by installing an inexpensive LED lamp.

With this device, money can be saved for food, and people in those remote areas will have a better shot at improved health, safer homes and, of course, higher school grades.

Yes, “auto cigarette lighter sockets and LED” can be provided by our politicians. Why not?
—FERNANDO U. JUAN
[email protected]