Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Sitio Tagpange, Simbalan, Buenavista, took a meaningful step forward on June 19, 2025, as it was launched as the first Department of Education (DepEd)-endorsed National Electrification Administration Model Solar-Powered School under the current administration. The school now stands as a working example of how energy access and education can come together to support learners in far-flung areas.
This milestone forms part of the Off-Grid School Electrification Program, a highly collaborative initiative led by the DepEd and the NEA. For Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School, the program was made possible through close coordination with local government units, the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO), and private sector partner Filinvest Group subsidiary FDC Misamis Power Corp. (FDC Misamis). It supports the broader objectives of DepEd’s Last Mile Schools Program, which seeks to bring facilities, power, and digital access to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) across the country.
“Derektiba ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na 100% total electrification by 2028, kaya’t kami sa NEA ay hindi tumitigil, nagplaplano, umiikot, para malaman namin kung papaano at saan ilalagay ang ilaw,” said NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda during his speech. “Dito natin mapapatunayan na kami ho sa gobyerno ay hindi tumitigil para magbigay ng ilaw at mapabuti ang buhay ng bawat isa kahit sa kasuluk-sulokan ng ating bansa.”
The program’s rollout has been remarkably swift. The NEA–DepEd memorandum of agreement was signed on Feb. 5, 2025, and by Feb. 22, NEA was already on-site in Buenavista to conduct inspections and plan for solar deployment, just 17 days later.
To prepare the site for electrification, FDC Misamis, through its corporate social responsibility and shared value programs, funded the rehabilitation of three classrooms and donated essential educational tools such as whiteboards, LED TVs, armchairs, fans, and a Starlink Wi-Fi device. These efforts ensure that the school is not only powered but also ready for modern, connected learning.
“Gi kalipay nako ug dako na kami gi imbitar sa ANECO ug NEA to partner in this project (it brings me great joy that we were invited by ANECO and NEA to be part of this project),” said FDC Misamis President and CEO Juan Eugenio Roxas.
He also emphasized the company’s longstanding relationship with ANECO. “ANECO has been our customer for almost 10 years. Year in and year out, they’re always awarded as our top customer. That’s why when NEA Admin Almeda knocked on our doors together with GM Darwin—walay duha-duha—gi-approve dayon (we didn’t hesitate to approve it).”
The event was more than a ceremonial launch but a reflection of public service that echoes back to a time when powering underserved areas was not just a goal, but a bold move.
“At Filinvest, we can relate to the ‘last mile.’ Almost a decade ago, Mindanao was relying only on government hydroelectric power. Every summer, we experienced eight-hour blackouts. Mindanao was our ‘last mile’ when no one dared to invest. In 2016, Filinvest, through FDC Misamis, was the first to dare provide stable and reliable power to a region starved of energy,” emphasized Roxas.
FDC Misamis hopes to help more schools under this program as it continues to align its mission with nation-building through clean energy and education.
The event was attended by top national and local officials, including DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, who thanked the province for its commitment to education. “We’d like to thank our officials of Agusan del Norte for taking care of our education.” Angara also recalled receiving the call. “Nagulat ako na tumawag na siya na ready na ang ating paaralan, hindi lang niya nakwento na napakalayo pala ng ating paaralan,” added in jest. Drawing laughter from the crowd, he even removed one of his shoes to show it was soaked as he had to cross the river just to reach the school.
“Hindi na tayo mahihirapan na mag-request ng mga kailangan dito sa bayan ng Buenavista. 'Yan po ay tunay na progreso, tunay na kaunlaran,” said Secretary Angara. “Sinong makakapagsabi na sa isang pindot ng buton, nakakausap na natin ang mga taga-Maynila?”
This transformation was made possible by the collective efforts of leaders at every level whose shared commitment and coordination turned what was once a far-off goal into real, tangible progress for the people of Buenavista.
Apart from energizing the school, the event also highlighted the successful electrification of 44 nearby households through the Solar Home System Program. Beneficiaries were granted one month free, with a minimal daily cost of ₱5 thereafter. Another initiative under the Marcos administration aimed at reaching communities in the most remote corners of the country.
Administrator Almeda described this outreach best, “Hindi po kami naniniwala sa delikado kung ilaw at pag-asa ang dala namin para sa mga tao.”
This model school is just the beginning. The program is slated to roll out to 290 more schools within the year, with NEA noting, “Napakasuwerte po ng NEA dahil ang katuwang niya ay DepEd under the leadership of Secretary Angara.”
Their presence at the event reflected not only symbolic support, but solid backing straight from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself.
According to the DepEd, the Buenavista-based school will serve as a prototype for future solar-powered schools nationwide, supporting the drive of the Marcos administration for sustainable development and digital equity in public education. Its inauguration is expected to be highlighted in the 2025 State of the Nation Address by the president as a flagship model of public-private collaboration for inclusive growth.
Aligned with Filinvest’s 70th year, the project highlights its mission to bring meaningful impact to underserved communities through energy and education, proof that when government, private sector, and community leaders come together, even the most isolated classrooms can be powered, connected, and full of possibility. PR