As part of SunLife’s Circle of Light initiative, in partnership with Liter of Light, the National Museum of the Philippines and Odangputik Art Space, this public installation celebrated UNESCO’s International Day of Light. The giant tableau of solar lamps served not merely as an art piece but as a symbol of what sustainable technology can achieve at the community level.
Just weeks ago, Manila’s Liwasang Rizal was aglow with a record-breaking display of 3,500 solar powered lamps, earning Liter of Light its third Guinness World Record and the first of its kind in the Philippines. The milestone—staged during World Environment Month—underscores the grassroots movement’s mission to advance renewable energy and climate action through community empowerment.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
A Record-Breaking Display for Climate Action
As part of SunLife’s Circle of Light initiative, in partnership with Liter of Light, the National Museum of the Philippines and Odangputik Art Space, this public installation celebrated UNESCO’s International Day of Light. The giant tableau of solar lamps served not merely as an art piece but as a symbol of what sustainable technology can achieve at the community level.
Founded by Illac Diaz, Liter of Light trains traditional pottery artisans to build, repair and reproduce these durable solar lamps in their villages. “What we are building is more than just light—it’s a future where no Filipino child is left in the dark,” Diaz said. By transitioning artisans to green livelihoods, the movement ensures that every lamp sold and donated carries both environmental benefits and social impact.
Circle of Light: Bayanihan in Action
The record attempt brought together volunteers and community-based groups—including the Department of Science and Technology, Rotary International, the Firefly Brigade, Asian Institute of Management, the Philippine Coast Guard Training and Doctrine Command, Youth for Dagat and university students across Metro Manila. Their collective effort exemplified the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, proving that large-scale sustainability projects can be powered by local collaboration.
Each of the 3,500 lamps was hand-built, pairing solar panels with traditional ceramic vessels crafted by women’s cooperatives. This fusion of heritage craftsmanship and cutting-edge solar technology highlights how low-tech solutions can drive clean energy adoption in underserved communities.
Following its debut at the National Museum the first week of July, the solar lamps will be distributed to students and families in Region 4A, in partnership with the Department of Education. The donation extends Liter of Light’s impact beyond an art installation, delivering clean, renewable light to learners and households that lack reliable electricity—fueling study, work and community resilience long after the record has been set.
