Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has sanctioned the release of more than PHP3.627 billion to propel the government's rural electrification efforts, aligning with the Marcos administration's vision of achieving complete electrification by 2028. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the Strategized Rural Electrification and Operational Reliability program of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for Fiscal Year 2025, as stated in a DBM news release on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, NEA will utilize this funding to energize 1,752 sitios and five barangays under the 2025 subsidy. The majority of the funds, PHP3.439 billion, is earmarked for the Sitio Electrification Program, while PHP68.839 million is designated for the Barangay Line Enhancement Program, which aims to upgrade five barangays previously dependent on unsustainable off-grid systems. Additionally, PHP120 million will be used for procuring and distributing 4,000 solar photovoltaic units to remote areas lacking reliable power.
Pangandaman highlighted the significance of this initiative, stating, "Malaking bagay po 'yan para sa ating mga kababayan na hirap maabot ng serbisyo na mapailawan ang kanilang mga kabahayan (This is a huge help for our countrymen who have long lacked access to electricity)." The program also aims to fulfill the President's directive to provide internet connectivity to schools in remote areas.
Between 2017 and 2024, NEA successfully energized 9,645 sitios, leaving 9,622 sitios still unenergized and slated for funding until 2028.
