CALINOG, ILOILO -- Indigenous People (IP) families in Barangay Cahigon have finally acquired electricity after their request was granted.
The electrification program started in October this year and a total of 60 IP households were initially provided with electricity by the Iloilo II Electric Cooperative (ILECO II) through the Barangay Line Enhancement Program (Blep) worth P5 million.
The Blep was secured through the continued partnership of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), proponent of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project Stage II (JRMP II), Provincial Government of Iloilo (PLGU), Municipal Government of Calinog (MLGU), and ILECO II.
“We are happy that we finally have electricity here in the mountain. This has long been our dream. When there is electricity, our grandchildren can study well at night and we can sleep soundly and secured knowing that our backyard is well lighted. Our lives have become comfortable,” said 65-year-old Ma. Luz Lebuna, resident of Sitio Patag.
Cahigon is one of the eight directly-affected IP villages of JRMP II.
During the Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) process undertaken by the NIA for project construction, the community has requested for the electrification of their village.
Lines of the ILECO II were previously up to neighboring Barangay Toyungan only.
The NIA has channeled the community’s request to the PLGU, which brought the concern to the ILECO II.
On November 26, 2015, the community formally accepted the electrification program through a ceremony. (PR)