Koronadal City (20 October) -- ARMM governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan will lead today the simultaneous switching-on of lights in 180 barangays all over the region in time for the observance of the "Lailatul Qadar" (Night of Power).

These newly energized barangays are beneficiaries of the electrification project of the Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy (AMORE) and partners the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Department of Energy (DOE), Mirant Philippines Foundation, Inc., Winrock International and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

These institutions are helping the Philippine government promote peace and development in Mindanao by energizing poor, remote, conflict-affected communities that cannot be connected to the power-grid, with a reliable and affordable stand-alone renewable energy system such as solar and microhydro.

AMORE has been energizing remote communities since 2002, energized a total of 180 barangays or more than 5,500 households with almost 200 community centers lighted and almost 400 streetlights installed in different areas in the region.

These covers the province of Basilan with 29 barangays energized, Maguindanao (56), Sulu (25) and Tawi-tawi (74).

The first Mindanao Light Festival is a simultaneous switching-on of all lights all over the autonomous region with Governor Zaldy Ampatuan leading at his office in Shariff Aguak town, Maguindanao and officials of other provinces also doing the same at their respective offices.

Ampatuan had said that under his leadership, he will carry out comprehensive rehabilitation programs for post -conflict areas. He will also step up efforts for a more regional and local government interaction and collaboration for the welfare of the people in the region.