Mobile. If there is one word that could define modern living, that would be “mobile.” Everyone seems to be always on the go, whether for work or for leisure. And what does everyone need when they are constantly mobile? Power, or in tech slang, juice.
We have officially entered the Hungry Device Era, where this hyperconnected world is continuously buzzing with information exchanged through different digital channels. From paying bills online to completing office request forms to even buying that coveted concert or fan-meeting tickets. For the last one, every second is crucial, so no fan can afford to miss even a millisecond.
Power banks have evolved from pocket-sized to a size that could power homes or, in remote cases, even offices. With work from home (WFH) now no longer a phenomenon but a constant in business operations, getting cut off during a crucial meeting is a no-no.
But in the Philippines, power can be quite unpredictable. At times, notifications of power maintenance were not sent on time, so you don’t have time to prepare. There are also natural disasters, such as typhoons, to consider. There were instances when it took quite a while to bring the power back, depending on the damage caused by the typhoon. It could be days, weeks, or in severe cases, months.
Personal Energy Ecosystems
Given these scenarios, people don’t need to feel helpless or to miss an opportunity. As a tropical country, we haven’t harnessed the abundance of a renewable source of energy that we have, and that is solar power.
Yes, there are power generators, but some of them are only suitable for houses and offices with big spaces. But how about families living in condominiums or students who have limited space in a dormitory, or small businesses that can only afford to hold business in a small space?
They should not be deprived of creating their own Personal Energy Ecosystems. If Filipinos have access to different types of gadgets, they should also have access to portable power systems. This should be mandatory along with power banks and other sources of mobile power.
However, it is not just size but also the cost that prevents them from owning one. According to an article by the Ateneo de Manila University, the Philippines has one of the highest electricity costs in Southeast Asia, and even Asia, often ranking second only to Singapore.
Solar Power
But we have solar, and in the provinces, hydropower can also be harnessed. Filipinos should not be held hostage by the limited sources offered to them. They should be given options: options that are both reliable and affordable.
Portability should encompass all aspects of mobile living. Mobile workers don’t have to spend so much on working spaces or coffee shops to ensure they don’t get interrupted at work. With a reliable power source, there will be no more dropped calls or disconnections in the middle of an important presentation.
With a digital economy continuously growing, driven by e-commerce and live selling, Filipinos should be given the opportunity to thrive and not be limited by problems like power interruption.
