Wed, 25 January, 2023
John Defensor works for Quantum Leap Marketing who are registered and based in the Philippines. He is the main contact for the coordinating the efforts of the IMPHORAA project consortium and the execution of the project’s roll out in the Philippines.
We took some time to speak with John about the project and his role in bringing the innovative solutions of IMPHORAA to rural, off-grid communities across the Philippines.
How are you involved in the IMPHORAA project?
Our company is in charge of executing the plans and programmes of the consortium. Port Silanguin, a remote site in the northern part of the Philippines, is where the project will be implemented. Our task is to assemble, execute and get feedback on the IMPHORAA project.
Why do you think this project is important?
The project is important because it helps develop new technology and transfer this technology for remote areas like Port Silanguin.
But more importantly, it gives people a chance to have basic needs such as clean water and electricity. In the process it helps the people gain knowledge on how things work and teach them a new technology they can use in their everyday life.
IMPHORAA’s business model also gives employment and a chance for people to make a living by selling IMPHORAA products directly (electricity and clean water). It also helps generate other sources of income, such as cold storage for the locals in the area.
What are the benefits of the project – both locally and on a broader level?
The project helps people of Port Silangauin or any remote area with a similar environment get basic needs such as electricity, lighting, and clean drinking water.
This basic need is something that we sometimes take for granted, living in the modern world, but is essential and sometimes lifesaving in remote places.
On the broader level, not only does IMPHORAA help the population of remote areas by providing basic needs, it also gives a chance to people to make a living through its business model.
As the lives of these people improve, their ability increase their productivity also improves.
How is the project progressing and what is next in the plans for IMPHORAA?
The project is in the execution phase. We have completed the design and are now building the system. Once the system is built, we will test it in the project site and make some refinements as needed.
Once the product is ready for release to the public, we will gather the people of Port Silanguin and introduce the IMPHORAA system. We would also educate them on how to use the system and explain how it may help them in their everyday lives.
We will guide them for a few months until they have mastered the system and, whatever data we gather along the way, we will compile and report to the consortium.
Is there anything more you would like to add?
Projects such as IMPHORAA are a win/win situation because we formulate technical solutions to problems rural areas encounter to meet basic needs such us electricity, clean drinking water and the ability to store food.
The local people who are recipients of the technology that was developed become more productive and it creates a way for people to have a sustainable business which can be their source of income.
This project is supported by Energy Catalyst and UK aid and was awarded as a “subsidy” under the UK International Obligations for Subsidy Control and delivered under Grant 90935 from Innovate UK.