3,000 Sustainable Lamps Lit Luneta Park, A Tribute to Our Frontliners

When was the last time you visited Luneta Park? This historical place is one of the top tourist spots in Manila. It’s a favorite pasyalan of Filipino families, especially during Christmas and New Year. The open space is surrounded by lush greenery where children can play safely. There are lanterns and Christmas decors around the park that signifies the holiday season.

Luneta Park at night #LightItForward

It's been nine months of community quarantine due to Covid-19. A lot of things have changed ever since Covid-19 started. You won’t see children in the parks or elderlies going out for a walk. Because it will be too risky for them, both the young and elderlies were advised to stay at home for their own safety.

Illac Diaz of Liter of Light

with actor Dingdong Dantes

Last Monday, I bravely visited Luneta Park again to witness the unveiling of a giant solar Philippine flag led by Illac Diaz of Liter of Light. Over 3,000 sustainable lamps were carefully assembled by volunteers from all over the country who have united for the project.

Yours truly. Light it Forward Ceremony in Luneta

We lit up the historic grounds of Luneta Park to send a message of hope and solidarity. The ceremony was attended by doctors and people who support Liter of Light. Actor Dingdong Dantes graced the event as well.

Rizal Park in Manila

              

“This is our tribute to heroism on a global scale, a tribute to all the Filipino frontliners worldwide who have fought to contain the pandemic. It is a profound expression of solidarity with those who have risked life and limb to be in the frontlines of the fight,” said Illac Diaz, Founder of Liter of Light and organizer of the event.

In the course of a few weeks leading up to Christmas, the thousands of individual lights making up the image will be rearranged to form equally stunning images of symbolic significance in the global fight. The Philippine flag is expected to be only the first in a series of glowing tableaux as other groups of volunteers such as doctors have come forward to express their willingness to create their own tableaux using the individually-assembled renewable lights.

About Liter of Light

Liter of Light is a global grassroots movement committed to providing affordable, sustainable, solar lights to people with limited or no access to electricity. As the first global Filipino NGO, Liter of Light has brought light to millions of people in off-grid areas across the globe.

Liter of Light Illac Diaz, with doctors, friends and volunteers

IIlac Diaz has been selected as the Philippines’ private sector representative to Expo 2020 Dubai as part of its EXPOLIVE Impact Innovation Program showcasing the work of innovators of global importance.  Liter of Light’s grassroots platform operates hubs in 32 countries, and has positively impacted the lives of over 1.5 million individuals globally.

Celebrating #BonifacioDay by remembering our #frontliners around the globe. Led by Illac Diaz, founder of #LiterOfLight we lit up the historic grounds of #LunetaPark to unveil a giant solar Philippine flag sending a message of hope and solidarity. “In the darkness of #Covid, stars of hope, exemplified by Filipino frontliners globally, have emerged. Where there is #light, there is always #hope.” - @illacdiaz #LightItForward #WomanInDigital

Posted by Marjorie Pineda-Uy on Monday, November 30, 2020

Here are some inspiring words from the founder of Liter of Light, Mr. Diaz

“In the darkness of Covid, stars of hope, exemplified by Filipino frontliners globally,  have emerged.  Where there is light, there is always hope.”

The ceremony in Luneta doesn't stop there, the lights will be distributed to off-grid communities ravaged by typhoons Rolly and Ulysses with the help of partner airline, Air Asia Philippines. Liter of Light had become a global movement, with the aim of helping the poor communities in the country. I wish all the best to the founder, Illac Diaz and all the people who works and volunteer to help through Liter of Light. You may visit the installation until December 5, Saturday at Luneta Park.