In the immediate aftermath of the typhoon we were able to mobilise quicker than any other solar solution available.

Within three months we had installed over 4,500 lights ourselves.

And given hundreds of people the tools and the know-how to create many more for themselves.

The same technology has now spread to street-lighting and community centres.

It would be ridiculous to say the problem is solved.

But according to the leader of the city, the lights have given hope - where before there was none.

Pepsi is a leading soft drink company in the country.

And the company prides itself on Performance with Purpose.

Part of this involves championing relevant environmental initiatives. Such as clean water for the community. Low emissions energy solutions for the plant. And, crucially, encouraging the responsible use of PET plastic bottles.

Pepsi has taken the lead in supporting this initiative because it wants the entire soft-drink industry to use plastic responsibly. For the benefit of the community rather than as a burden on it.

Over the past three years it has provided lighting using recycled bottles to approximately 150,000 homes.

Typhoon Haiyan wiped out the buildings and services of an entire city.

The Department of Energy estimated it would take over three months to restore electricity.

And in fact in some areas it has taken a lot longer.

So there was - and remains - an urgent need to provide sustainable lighting.

And there was also a need to get economic activity going again.

And give people the power to get back on their feet.