Jesuit university in Philippines promotes ‘faith that does justice’ through solar project

A Jesuit university in Mindanao, Philippines, located in the southern part of the country, is adopting a sustainable approach to assist an Indigenous community in Zamboanga City, moving beyond traditional holiday relief efforts.

Kevin Roy Jimera, director of Campus Ministry at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU), noted that the shift started after Fr. Guillrey Anthony Andal, SJ, challenged administrators to assess the long-term effects of their outreach programs.

“With all our programs and activities, how many of these are intentional and sustainable, leading to development?” Andal asked during a strategic planning meeting, according to Jimera.

For years, the university's Christmas Love Drive distributed 800 to 1,000 food packs to families in the poorest of the poor communities. While it offered immediate relief, Jimera recognized its limitations.

“Though we can feed a family for a day, for a week at most, after that, what's next? It's not even sustainable,” he said.

The reflection led the university to re-evaluate its outreach strategy, transitioning from short-term support to long-term community development.

Addressing Energy Poverty

In partnership with the Center for Community Extension Services (CESES), the university conducted consultations in the Sama Bangingi community on Simariki Island, home to an estimated 70-80 households.

The consultations revealed several challenges, including insufficient access to clean water, inadequate housing, and most critically, electricity. “At 7 o'clock, they are already asleep. That's the reality in that area because they have no light,” Jimera added.

Residents rely on kerosene lamps, a situation that also affects students who attend high school on the mainland in Barangay Talon-Talon. Many leave their homes as early as 4 a.m. and return after dark.

“Without light, students leave at 4 or 5 a.m., and when they return, it's dark again. They cannot even clearly see where to dock their boats.”

In response, the university launched Project SUGA, which aims to install 36 solar street lamps along the community's main walkway to improve safety and mobility.

The first 12 solar lamps were handed over on December 10, 2025, marking the start of Phase 1 of the project. Each unit costs approximately ₱13,000, covering materials, transportation, and installation.

Call for Broader Government Intervention

Despite the progress, Jimera emphasized that solar lighting alone cannot address the community's deeper structural needs. He said, “Many of their houses are exposed to heat, rain, and strong sea winds. They need stronger structures, better walkways, and safer housing.”

Recognized as an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, the residents require more comprehensive government intervention. The university has appealed to the local and national agencies, including the National Housing Authority, to consider housing and infrastructure support for the island. Jimera believes that they “cannot address everything. There has to be a wider intervention from the government”.

Faith that does Justice

For Jimera, the initiative reflects the university's Catholic identity and Ignatian spirituality, which calls for faith expressed through concrete action. They strongly believe in “faith that does justice.” For them, prayers alone will not suffice, “you cannot just pray and do nothing.”

He also underscored the importance of participatory development, ensuring that projects align with the community's priorities. They make sure that before implementing a project, they conduct studies in the specific areas and ask if that’s what the community wanted, “because what we want for them might not be what they want for themselves” he explained.

At present, funding is still needed for five additional solar lamps to complete Phase 2 of the project. Jimera acknowledged what he described as “benefactors' fatigue,” noting that donors are more likely to continue supporting initiatives when they see measurable impact.

The university expressed hope that, through renewable energy initiatives and sustained partnerships, the Sama Bangingi community on Simariki Island will experience safer conditions and greater development opportunities.

For those who wish to support Project SUGA at the Bank of the Philippine Islands – NS Valderosa Branch under Ateneo de Zamboanga University, please use the following accounts, you may also contact [email protected] for further inquiries.