NEA to receive P1.108B for electrification

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) will receive around P1.108 billion this year to further power up more sitios and far-flung barangays.

Of the allotment, P518.92 million will be used to implement the barangay line enhancement project to improve electric services in identified 202 barangays, while the remaining P589.32 million will be for its sitio electrification project, aimed at connecting around 833 sitios to the power grid.

NEA has set a five-year target or from 2011 to 2015 for its two major electrification programs, aiming to improve electricity in 2,341 barangays and to light up 32,441 sitios spread in various regions, including Western Visayas.

“The P1.108-billion allocation will allow the NEA to provide electricity to off-grid sitios and other un-energized communities as well as improve the delivery of basic services in the countryside so that power disruptions and other connection-related problems are prevented,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad explained in a factsheet furnished to Sun.Star Monday.

He added that the electrification of the communities will also help residents take better control of their livelihoods and their overall economic progress, noting that those living in off-grid areas are usually forced to minimize or cease all activity when the sun sets and visibility is poor.

“Many of us living in urbanized areas take electricity for granted but for residents of these communities, being connected to the power grid is a significant step toward improving their lives and strengthening their foothold in the economy. Children can now study better in the evening and their parents can continue working well beyond the sunset.”

In the last quarter of 2011, Department of Budget and Management also released P814 million to NEA, which reportedly enabled the latter to energize 1,520 unconnected sitios, more than its target of 1,410.

“By giving these sitios better access to electricity, we can empower more—particularly those living in remote areas—into becoming productive members of their communities.”