After years of students and teachers grappling with learning in the dark, Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Sitio Tagpangi, a remote community in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, celebrated a new era of education with the energization of its classrooms. This pivotal event marks the official launch of the P1.295-billion “Last Mile Schools” electrification program under the Marcos administration.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA), in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), led a significant energization ceremony at the off-grid learning institution. This initiative addresses the critical need for basic electricity access in underserved educational communities across the Philippines.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, speaking in Tagalog, highlighted the transformative impact of the project: “We are installing the first Solar Power System under this initiative—a vital step that will empower students to learn and equip teachers to broaden their teaching methods.”
The project follows a memorandum of agreement signed on February 5, 2025, between Administrator Almeda and DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara. DepEd provided the funding from its 2025 budget, with NEA facilitating on-site implementation alongside the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO). A site inspection on February 22, 2025, confirmed the school’s eligibility for the program. Administrator Almeda also noted that the solar-powered energy system will not only benefit the elementary school but also surrounding households in the area.
“I believe that education is the key to progress, which is why NEA fully supports the electrification of schools and households,” Administrator Almeda added.
The energization of Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School is a direct response to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s directive for DepEd and other relevant government agencies to prioritize education stakeholders who still lack access to basic electricity and internet services. President Marcos, who joined the ceremony virtually, welcomed Administrator Almeda’s report that NEA plans to roll out 295 projects under the “Last Mile School” electrification program within the year. This program is a crucial part of broader efforts to support Filipino students who face challenges in their educational development.
The energization ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including Agusan del Norte Gov. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante, 2nd District Rep. Dale Corvera, Buenavista Mayor Joselito Roble, DepEd Undersecretaries Trygve Olaivar and Peter Corvera, Caraga Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion, TESDA Provincial Director Rey Cueva, FDC Misamis Power Corporation President and CEO Juan Eugenio Roxas, ANECO General Manager Engr. Darwin Daymiel, Board President Romeo Gumadlas, as well as community leaders of Sitio Tagpangi and officials of Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School.
