A Final Instalment From Oriental Mindoro, The Philippines

This is my last week working with Kopernik's local partner in Oriental Mindoro, the Gelacio I. Yason Foundation Family Farm School (GIYF-FFS), before I relocate to Manila to start another phase of my fellowship conducting interviews with female entrepreneurs and working with the Solar Light Foundation. I took the time this week to conduct follow-up interviews with Marife Saron and Ernie Flores, who live in the community adjacent to the farm school.

MARIFE'S STORY
Marife purchased her solar light on an instalment basis, an arrangement that is not always practical for GIYF-FFS since collecting weekly or monthly payments can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. However, Marife’s close proximity to the school as well as her relationship with the staff made this repayment method possible for both parties.

Unfortunately, Marife’s husband suffered a foot injury over the holidays and was unable to drive his tricycle for work. Marife is sometimes able to take over the driving duties to earn income for her family, but they still had to use some money intended for an instalment payment for his medical bills. While this is not a big setback for GIYF-FFS because they do not rely on the collection of instalment payments from many customers, it is an example of how it can be difficult to sell the lights on an instalment basis to communities located further away.

MAKING INSTALLMENTS WORK
Often these issues may arise, and without regular cell service or credit to send text messages or make calls, it could result in a lack of communication or unnecessary trips to collect payments that cannot be made. A possible scenario in the more remote areas may be working with agents or community cooperatives with whom GIYF-FFS. These partners could collect payments on a weekly or monthly basis, then arrange a time to transfer the payment to the organisation in an effort to help GIYF-FFS save time and money on transport costs.

After the interviews, I said good-bye to Marife and Ernie and thanked them for taking the time to patiently answer my many questions regarding the solar lights – and bearing with me while I fumbled through the different settings on my camera.

Next, I sought out two students at the school who use the solar lights in their homes. They were quite camera shy and many giggles ensued. They use the solar lights for studying in their homes, which they said was a welcome change from the kerosene lamps that many of their peers still rely on to do school work.

A FINAL FAREWELL
The week ended with a farewell celebration with the GIYF-FFS staff, and delicious cake from a local bakery in Roxas. I greatly appreciate the effort made by everyone at GIYF-FFS to make me feel welcome. Also, the many hours and motorbike rides they set up in order to introduce me to different families who have benefited from the solar lights, and who so graciously welcomed me (and my camera) into their homes.