Makati city: Nearly 5,000 households in Luzon and the Visayas will benefit from the Locally Funded Project-Total Electrification Program (LFP-TEP) for this year, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and officials of five electric cooperatives from Luzon and the Visayas signed a memorandum of agreement in Makati City for the program, which is valued at PHP192.8 million. The agreement focuses on providing electricity to far-flung, off-grid, and geographically isolated areas.

The five electric cooperatives involved in the project are Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc., Aurora Electric Cooperative, Inc., La Union Electric Cooperative, Inc., Quezon II Electric Cooperative, Inc., and Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative, Inc. These cooperatives will be instrumental in implementing the electrification initiative.

Garin emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating that the signing ceremony reflects the government's commitment to closing the electricity access gap. She highlighted the crucial role of partners in the distribution sector who are essential in serving communities. The program aims not only to power homes but also to empower communities by supporting livelihoods and fostering inclusive growth.

The LFP-TEP is designed to accelerate the electrification of more areas nationwide through collaboration between the DOE, electric cooperatives, distribution utilities, local governments, and other stakeholders. Garin reiterated that total electrification is a social contract ensuring that all Filipinos can benefit from national progress. She asserted that the initiative will help sustain the economy and uplift the populace for future generations.