Empowering Coastal Communities: The Sahaya Solar Ice Plant in Datu Mantil
A Milestone in Sustainable Development
In 2022, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with AASC Technologies Inc., introduced a groundbreaking solution to the fishing community of Barangay Datu Mantil, Pigcawayan, Cotabato—a solar-powered ice block making machine. Installed adjacent to the newly constructed fish port, the facility is managed by the barangay council and the Datu Mantil Makangguna Association, a local women-led organization.
A Lifeline for Fisherfolk
For decades, fisherfolk in the area struggled to keep their catch fresh due to the lack of accessible and affordable ice. As one local fisherman explained:
“Our main problem here is the lack of ice, which we need to keep our fish harvest fresh. Without electricity, our harvest rots. If we catch in large batches, almost 70 percent will be thrown away. Now that we have the ice block machine, the fish we catch will no longer go to waste.”
The solar-powered facility now provides a steady and sustainable ice supply, dramatically reducing post-harvest losses and preserving more of the community’s hard-earned catch.
Creating Livelihood Opportunities
Beyond preservation, the project has opened new job opportunities—especially for women and unemployed residents. Oting Esmael, one of the trained machine operators, shares his experience:
“Before, my colleagues and I were unemployed. Now, I spend my time productively operating the ice machine. After my training, my life significantly improved.”
His story reflects the deeper social impact of the project: restoring purpose, building skills, and generating income.
Innovation Tailored for Off-Grid Areas
Spearheaded by AASC Technologies Inc., the Sahaya unit in Datu Mantil is one of the first prototypes specifically designed for off-grid fishing communities. Using solar energy, it provides a clean, reliable, and cost-efficient alternative to traditional ice production methods—proving especially effective in remote coastal regions.
More Than Just a Machine
For residents, the ice plant is not merely a piece of equipment; it has become a symbol of transformation. As a community leader aptly put it:
“It is more than a project—this machine is much more than a machine.”
It is a catalyst for progress, sustainability, and empowerment—one block of ice at a time.
