Whether it’s beach clean-ups, rallying support for single plastic bans, setting up mooring buoys, organizing cat and dog sterilization programs, creating farm-to-table options for visitors, setting up the Cadlao Challenge Swimming competition or finding eco-solutions for their own business, Judith and Tani Distal continue to be outstanding examples of social entrepreneurs. They are the owners of El Nido Boutique Artcafe which has been the go to hub for visitors looking for any information regarding El Nido. They have seen the the explosion of tourism collide with a huge lack of infrastructure not ready to accept that tourism. And they have been navigating the growing pains of building a business in El Nido.
The frequent power interruptions of the electrical grid continued to affect them along with everyone else in town. The need for a generator was apparent but an eco-solution was the preference even if it came at a higher initial cost. In 2016 Judith and Tani installed solar panels and battery storage with a capacity of 18 kWp between their home and business. For their restaurant and booking agency they estimate the solar energy production accounts for at least 15% of their energy needs. In their private home, they are nearly completely self-sufficient which they say runs about 96% of their energy needs.
They’ve saved on their energy bill both from grid of Palawan Electric Cooperative and with the decreased use of their back up generator. In addition, they are able to store all their perishable goods properly so they don’t spoil during the frequent power outages. For the two business owner they are happy to have their business create less of an impact on the environment, provide another example of solutions for businesses and have reliable infrastructure for themselves and their customers.
Judith and Tani, owners of Art Cafe
