DBM Releases P3.6 Billion to Boost Rural Electrification
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has officially released P3.627 billion to accelerate rural electrification efforts across the country. This significant funding supports the government’s goal of achieving total electrification by the end of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s term.
The focus on rural electrification aims to bring power to remote communities that have long been without electricity. “Malaking bagay po ‘yan para sa ating mga kababayan na hirap maabot ng serbisyo na mapailawan ang kanilang mga kabahayan,” Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said. “That’s a major development for our countrymen who have difficulty accessing services to have light their homes,” she added in Filipino.
Strategic Fund Allocation for 2025 Electrification Projects
The released funds will support the implementation of the Strategized Rural Electrification and Operational Reliability program for Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in 2025. According to local officials, over P3.439 billion will fund the energization of 1,752 sitios under the Sitio Electrification Program, as stipulated in the 2025 General Appropriations Act.
In addition, nearly P68.839 million will be set aside to rehabilitate five barangays through the Barangay Line Enhancement Program. Furthermore, P120 million will go towards procuring and distributing 4,000 solar photovoltaic units to communities lacking reliable power sources.
Progress and Remaining Challenges in Rural Electrification
Since 2017, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has energized 9,645 sitios nationwide. However, sources note that 9,622 sitios remain without electricity, with plans to complete their energization by 2028. This funding release is crucial in bridging that gap and ensuring more Filipinos enjoy access to electricity.
Budget Secretary Pangandaman emphasized the importance of these efforts, highlighting that rural electrification is essential for improving the quality of life in underserved areas. “We have released more than P3.627 billion to cover the continuous implementation of NEA’s Rural Electrification Program,” she said.
For more news and updates on rural electrification, visit Filipinokami.com.