Filipino organization sets new Guinness record for largest solar artwork

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — An international solar light advocacy group founded by a Filipino has set a new Guinness World Record for the world’s largest solar artwork.

The artwork named “Tree of Light” was shown to the public on May 22, the International Day for Biodiversity, and was made using 3,000 solar lamps.

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The lamps were built by students from the Deira International School and Universal American School, which are both in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The artwork was a joint project between Liter of Light and the Al-Futtaim Group, a UAE-based group of companies.

According to Liter of Light founder and global director Illac Diaz, the artwork symbolizes the collective responsibility of people to care for the environment.

“The Tree of Light is reminds us of our responsibility to care for the Earth and to be mindful of our impact on the environment. Nearly one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. Each species that dies is like taking away a branch of that tree, a tremendous loss to life on earth and future generations,” Diaz said.

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“Working with the youth to be part of this message was important because they are the ones who are leading change and inspiring us to act to build back biodiversity,” he added.

After the public viewing of the artwork, Liter of Light said that the lights will be donated to communities in the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary.