Manila: This Yuletide season will shine brighter for a small community of 13 households, comprising 16 families or 59 individuals, as their homes here have finally been connected to the power grid. Relocated to Barangay San Lorenzo to make way for the ongoing construction of the provincial transport hub in Barangay San Pedro, the residents see the installation of a permanent power line in their new community as an early Christmas gift.

According to Philippines News Agency, Arlene Corpuz, one of the residents of the newly established Sitio Maharlika, expressed relief that they no longer need to seek power connection elsewhere. During the ceremonial energization of the area, Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) assistant manager Cipriano Martinez III stated that they have allocated some PHP330,000 for the initiative.

Martinez explained that under the Rural Electrification Program of NEA (National Electrification Administration), the electric cooperative is obligated to put electric connection to an area with 10 households and above for free. For areas with fewer households, there would be a charge. The latest survey indicates there are around 1,700 households in Ilocos Norte without connection to the distribution line of INEC.

To achieve the 100-percent energization target in the province, INEC is collaborating with local government units to energize the remaining isolated households. Martinez noted that the energization of Sitio Maharlika will serve as a model to achieve their target. Beyond providing electric connection, the local governments of Laoag and Ilocos Norte are also working together to ensure that residents of Sitio Maharlika will have access to potable water and livelihood opportunities.