In a significant step towards realizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of achieving total electrification across the Philippines by the end of his term, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of over P3.627 billion. This substantial allocation is earmarked to bolster the Strategized Rural Electrification and Operational Reliability for Electric Cooperatives (ECs) program for 2025.
DBM Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman officially approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the National Electrification Administration (NEA), signaling the government’s unwavering commitment to bringing power to unserved and underserved communities.
“We have released more than P3.627 billion to cover the continuous implementation of NEA’s Rural Electrification Program,” stated Secretary Mina. “Of this amount, based on their report, NEA will be able to cover the energization of 1,752 sitios and five (5) barangays under the 2025 subsidy.”
Secretary Pangandaman further emphasized the profound impact of this initiative, stating, “This is a huge help for our fellow citizens in hard-to-reach areas, to light up their homes. Through this, we will also be able to fulfill the President’s directive to provide internet connections to schools in remote areas. With electricity, connectivity will become effective no matter how far.”
The approved funding is strategically distributed to address various facets of rural electrification:
Sitio Electrification Program: A total of P3.439 billion from the FY 2025 General Appropriations Act will be utilized for the energization of 1,752 sitios, directly benefiting thousands of households.
Barangay Line Enhancement Program: P68.839 million is allocated for the rehabilitation of five (5) barangays that were previously served by unsustainable off-grid solutions, ensuring a more reliable and lasting power supply.
Solar Photovoltaic Mainstreaming: An additional P120 million will facilitate the procurement and distribution of 4,000 units of Solar Photovoltaic Mainstreaming, providing sustainable electricity to communities currently without access to reliable power sources.
The NEA has made significant strides in rural electrification, having energized 9,645 sitios with subsidies from 2017 to 2024. With this new allocation, the government is poised to address the remaining balance of 9,622 unenergized targeted sitios, with a comprehensive plan to fund these efforts until 2028.
This release underscores the DBM’s dedication to supporting critical infrastructure projects that uplift the lives of Filipinos and foster inclusive national development by ensuring access to essential services like electricity and, subsequently, internet connectivity.
