P28M needed for Benguet electrification

Friday, May 27, 2011

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Several government agencies and private companies have pooled a total of P28 million to further fast track the energization of still unenergized non-viable areas in this vegetable-producing province.

Out of the aforesaid amount, P14 million will be coming from the SN Aboitiz Power Benguet purposely to energize still unenergized areas in Bokod and Itogon towns that play host to the Ambuclao and Binga dams; P9 million will be sourced out from the Department of Energy (DOE); while Rep. Ronald Cosalan will be sharing P5 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) to help in the implementation and realization of the government’s rural electrification program.

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Engr. Melchor Licoben, manager of Benguet Electric Cooperative’s (Beneco) engineering department, said the rural electric cooperative is actively coordinating with concerned government agencies, politicians and private companies that could help in the realization of the government’s plan to fully energize distant places in the different parts of the franchise area so that economic growth will follow soon.
 
According to him, rural electrification is one of the mandates of electric cooperatives, thus, it is inclined to bring power even to the remotest parts of the country so that people will be able to enjoy the benefits of energization.
 
Licoben explained the situation in Benguet, which is one of the franchise areas of Beneco, is peculiar considering that sitios are located distant from each other with only few households to connect to the electricity which will be brought to their respective places.
 
The Beneco official cited a recently surveyed sitio in the province where it will take at least P3 million to bring power to such place but there are only ten households who are not even sure if they will apply for electrical P28 million.