By Edwin Cabrera
THE CELEBRATION of the International Women’s month was the result of the strikes of American workers in 1909 to 1911. They bravely fought for and condemned low wages, lack of legal protection, unacceptable working conditions and the freedom to participate normally in society. This was followed by another historic initiative reason for the United Nations to recognize the celebration of women’s day to pay tribute to all their contributions in any field.
Exactly a year ago today, PILIPINO Mirror published my ‘women can lead’ article. It’s about the inevitable fact that countless women, all throughout the years and all over the world, have proven that there is no work that they cannot fulfill or a goal that’s unachievable. Unfortunately, misogyny is still rampant nowadays.
Women are still looked down upon by some because of their sexuality. Women are still underestimated because of the idea that they are weak and will never be equal to the intellect or strength of men.
With this story, it is an honor for our publication to not just be united with our fellow Filipinas, but most specially to contribute to the recognition of women’s excellence.
I can go on and on for days on why we shouldn’t view women as less capable compared to men. But I know you will be more interested if I have a perfect example to share to you. Having said that, it is of great pride to introduce to you the epitome of a true leader; Ms. Jenny Lin Maaño-Ngai.
Ms. Jenny Lin Maaño-Ngai is the Co-founder & President of SunSmart Solar Power Technology. She is also a former Miss Mabalacat 1998 and Miss Manila finalist who have proven that her beauty radiates through her various advocacies. More than her physical beauty, her heart to serve our fellow Filipinos is truly what makes her standout.
In an article published by Teal Magazine, Ms. Jenny said that “Despite having a stream of income in modeling, I am more driven to excel in the corporate world…”. And coherent to her realization, she continuously made effort to excel on things she commits herself into.
Over the years, Ms. Ngai has been consistent in discovering and introducing innovative measures to elevate the quality of living specifically in the far-flung areas through SunSmart. SunSmart Solar Power Technology did several turnovers of solar power systems in different remote barangays particularly in indigenous communities. Her Presidency in SunSmart empowered, not just her, but everyone who gets involved in all of their projects.
Persistent to Ms. Jenny’s advocacy, SunSmart works with the common mission of bridging the gap between energy and environment especially on accessibility, delivery and availability of having their mobile power solutions in the remote areas along with the national government agencies, local government units and National Electrification Administration in providing and developing solar hybrid power solutions especially with the rampant increase in fuel prices, climate change; threats that primarily affect our agriculture sector which many of these areas are primary source of food security.
“Many of the scarce and inaccessible landmarks and heritage islands, valleys and hills, [and] irrigation farmlands [that] were left undeveloped for years,” Ms. Jenny said.
Truly, she goes beyond the conventional standard of beauty. Recently, Ms. Jenny Lin Maaño-Ngai had a global virtual speakership at the World Humanitarian Drive of United Kingdom. The event was held in celebration of UNESCO World Logic Day last January 14, 2022. It encompassed more on the need of emerging Science and Technology Breakthrough sustainable solutions. These sustainable solutions are considered essential in this critical time of pandemic, climate change and other future threats to both humanity and environment.
With her numerous speakerships focusing on groundbreaking initiatives, Ms. Jenny Lin Maaño-Ngai was also invited to attend a virtual conference with DENR XI and DBP through WISE Inc. Women Institute for Social Entrepreneurship Inc. for a goal to re-apply the tallest mountain peak of our country, Mt. Apo National Park as one of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“That was really a surprise to me because I feel much empowered that as if the universe itself is conspiring along with the good intentions of everyone.” Ms. Jenny shared.
Another great feat worth-sharing is the laudable and very impressive joint Corporate Social Responsibility works of SUNSMART Solar Power Technology Inc. with Women Institute for Social Entrepreneurship Inc. (WISE INC.) in support of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) under the National Security Council where women made an amazing initiative to kickstart sustainable community development projects in these formerly conflicted areas by the CPP/NPAs by bringing Solar Powered Streetlights, Solar Generator Mini Grids, Solar Water Pumps and Solar Micro Utility (iPower Cube) stations. These strong partnership of SUNSMART with WISE INC. brought in the unified whole of nation approach of working together with both local and national government to make accessibility and delivery of sustainable energy solutions possible. It is a must in order for these communities to attain peace and progressive development. This has a strong domino effect which will enable livelihood and creation of employment in these remote areas which are main source of our food security, indigenous preservation, environmental protection and culture adaptation.
With SunSmart’s mission to help and improve our nation, they recently signed a memorandum of agreement with DENR XI and DBP where SunSmart did a formal turnover of their donated Integrated Smart Solar Streetlighting Systems and Solar Generator Mini Grid Power Stations.
On the ground, locals of far-flung areas were enthralled by the generosity of SUNSMART to help improve their lives. What most of them don’t know, there’s reciprocation through the priceless stories that the locals entrust to Ms. Ngai and her team.
“I aim to do more for these people and places where our solutions are exactly beyond business profiting. It is a purpose. And I believe we are all living this life, meeting people, serving with our talents and skills to perform such purpose” shared by Ms. Jenny.
These amazing projects solidifies why Ms. Jenny Lin Ngai is the epitome of an authentic leader. A true leader inspires others to do good and contribute to make a change. With her sincerity, selflessness, dedication and passion to serve; Ms. Jenny Lin Ngai has done and achieved more than what the society thinks a woman can. No matter what people say, at the end of the day, sexuality can never dictate who and what you can be. Cheers to the Sun and the worth-celebrating femininity!
Jenny – Co-Founder and President of SUNSMART Solar Power Technology Inc., Founder and President of SUNSMART NGAI Che Hon Foundation Inc. and Founder & Chairman of Rural Artisans Organization.
Featured Women of Substance, Change Makers and Contributors of Inclusive Peace and Impact Sustainability
“Help the indigenous people in the remote areas especially in Isabela to have an acces to clean and safe water.” – Pauline Anne Cordero Barker
also known as Anne Barker, a high fashion ramp model, former MUP Miss Universe Philippines Binibining Pilipinas Isabela 2019 candidate as an inspirational advocate and Brand Innovations Executive of SUNSMART taking a side by side transition from high fashion Runway to Green Energy Innovations.
Ma. Lourdes A. Laurel – Arcenas – with dynamic leadership and vast expertise in resiliency strengthening and competence building, she is a trustee and lead advocate of the Mothers for Peace Social Enterprise Inc. that provides women in peace-building roles with opportunities of building capacity for sustainable livelihoods. She likewise serves as a director of DBP – Development Bank of the Philippines.
Elizabeth Carlos Timbol – Founder and Chairman of Happy Hearts Foundation Philippines that promotes volunteerism through Filipinos Bayanihan spirit to help the underprivileged. A former President of RBAP Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines and current Chairwoman of Rural Bankers Research and Development Foundation Inc.
Sec Maria Belen S. Acosta who attended also the event as she is a mover, contributor and supporter of women peace building and sustainable community development particularly of indigenous people in remote areas. As the Chairperson of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Secretary Maria Belen S. Acosta takes the lead in facilitating and coordinating initiatives of key national agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), non-government organizations, civil society organizations, and development partners that are vital to accelerating the socio-economic progress of Mindanao. She also sits as the Philippine Signing Minister for the Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) economic cooperation.