Lighting up the last mile: An impact study of the micro hydro projects of CPU-AREC in three mountain settlements of San Remigio, Antique

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of the three micro hydro projects in three respective mountain settlements of San Remigio Antique. Specifically it measured the changes in the quality of life and in several socioeconomic indicators including house structures, average income per month, sources of income, livelihood, cost of energy, and appliances, gadgets or machineries among the beneficiaries. It utilized a mixed methodology by giving a survey instrument to all 45 beneficiaries of Bunacan Micro Hydro Project, 51 beneficiaries of Culabao Micro Hydro Project and 72 beneficiaries of Maruray Micro Hydro Project, and by conducting focused group discussions in the three settlements. Using descriptive analysis of the quantitative data, findings revealed improvements in the house structures, average income per month, and in the acquisition of appliances, gadgets or machineries among the beneficiaries. There is a significant reduction in energy cost despite increase in the utilization. The cheaper cost of electricity from the micro hydro power plant compared to the cost of using kerosene resulted to a big cut on energy expenditures among the beneficiaries while enjoying the opportunity to consume more energy. Farming is retained as the main livelihood and source of income augmented by the presence of irrigation system and farm machineries. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data yielded three main themes across the categories. The impact of the micro hydro projects into the quality of life of their beneficiaries are happiness, empowerment and the perpetration of a cultural practice called “dagyaw.”