Sagay city: The National Power Corporation (Napocor) has restored reliable electricity to the island communities of Molocaboc in Sagay City, Negros Occidental, 12 years after Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated the area. On Friday, officials from the city government, Napocor, and the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco) formally switched on the 100-kilowatt (kW) Molocaboc Diesel Power Plant in a ceremony held at Balay Kauswagan on the mainland and livestreamed to a covered court in Barangay Molocaboc.
According to Philippines News Agency, an initial 62 households will be energized out of the estimated 1,200 households across Molocaboc's three sitios: Molocaboc Daku, Molocaboc Diut, and Matabas. "We are targeting an additional 200 households before Christmas," Noneco general manager Wilbe Bilbao said, adding that they will conduct seminars and accept membership applications next week. 'The energization of Molocaboc symbolizes a future where the island is no longer left behind,' village captain Rocky Pasaylo said during the ceremony.
Molocaboc, part of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve, is accessible via a 30-minute boat ride from Sagay City's Vito wharf. The PHP18.7-million power supply project comprises two 50-kW diesel generator sets, with a total rated capacity of 100 kW and a dependable capacity of 80 kW. Operating eight hours a day, the setup is designed to provide reliable electricity to the initially connected households.
Napocor vice president of Small Power Utilities Group Rene Barruela acknowledged the collaboration with the local government unit and the electric cooperative. 'Our work in energizing off-grid communities is only possible because of the strong support of our partners on the ground. We are powering not just homes, but hope and new life on the island," he added. Without reliable electricity, many residents, particularly students, relied on kerosene lamps at night while the island harnessed solar power for streetlights and water filtration systems.
Second District Rep. Alfredo Mara±on III said the communities in Molocaboc have long waited for the return of reliable power. 'In darkness, people tend to leave the island. With light, more will stay, and even more will come,' he added. Sagay City Mayor Leo Cueva said the energization of Molocaboc is a memorable occasion and a realization of a dream shared by generations of island residents. 'This is your dream. Take care of it and make it flourish," the mayor said. Cueva urged households to apply for membership with Noneco to avail of the electricity service. The city government is providing additional assistance by waiving the electrical connection permit processing fees, he added.
