Marcos Administration Powers 2.5 Million Homes
Since 2022, the Marcos administration has successfully connected 2.5 million households to electricity, significantly cutting down the number of Filipino homes without power to around two million. This electrification progress marks a major milestone in the government’s ongoing effort to bring energy access to every Filipino.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized in his recent State of the Nation Address that his administration is fully committed to speeding up household power connections. “We are accelerating electrification and boosting power generation capacity,” he said in Filipino, highlighting the importance of these efforts amid persistent energy challenges.
Expanding Power Capacity and Connections Nationwide
At the start of his term, more than five million households lacked electricity. Yet, within three years, the administration has provided power to half of those homes. Furthermore, nearly 200 power plants are set to be completed in the next three years, capable of supplying electricity to 4 million houses, over 2,000 factories, and almost 7,000 offices and businesses.
“The DOE and NEA will continue to pursue targeted household connections from this year until 2028,” Marcos added, specifically mentioning areas like Quezon, Camarines Norte, Palawan, Masbate, Samar, Negros Occidental, and Zamboanga del Sur.
Financial Challenges and Funding Plans
Despite these gains, nationwide electrification remains challenging due to the country’s archipelagic geography. The Department of Energy estimates that achieving 100% electrification by 2028 requires around P72 billion—almost triple the current budget allocation.
Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara shared that the DOE is negotiating with the Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority to secure P50 billion from international lenders like the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management recently released P3.627 billion to support rural electrification efforts, aligning with the president’s goal of full power access by the end of his term.
Addressing Power Crisis and Accountability in Siquijor
Aside from expanding electrification, President Marcos vowed to hold accountable those responsible for the recent power crisis in Siquijor. The province declared a state of calamity after massive brownouts disrupted daily life, tourism, businesses, and essential services.
Governor Jake Villa confirmed that the provincial board approved the declaration to access emergency funds for quick response. Marcos condemned the situation, stating, “Hindi ko palalampasin ang nangyari sa Siquijor.” He cited expired permits, neglected generators, slow response, and poor fuel and parts procurement as root causes.
To resolve these issues, the president ordered the Department of Energy, the National Electrification Administration, and the Energy Regulatory Commission to restore power services in Siquijor before year-end.
For more news and updates on household electrification, visit Filipinokami.com.
