Dumaguete City: Key officials from the energy sector in Negros Oriental have assured that schools in remote areas, designated as voting centers for the May 12 polls, will have stable and reliable power.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Fe Marie Tagle, general manager of the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (Noreco II), confirmed in an interview that a backup plan is in place for unenergized schools where solar power will be utilized.

Tagle highlighted a partnership between the Department of Education and the National Electrification Administration to energize last mile schools using photovoltaic modules. Eight schools within the Noreco II coverage area are set to receive solar energy to ensure that the elections proceed without disruption. These schools include Apo Island Elementary School and Apo Island High School in Dauin town, several schools in the remote mountain barangay of Nagbinlod in Sta. Catalina town, and schools in Siaton town, Bayawan City, and Tanjay City.

During a briefing with the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC), Tagle and Noreco I general manager Elvin Denoyo discussed contingency plans for the midterm elections. Denoyo assured that all areas within Noreco I's jurisdiction will have a stable power supply for the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines starting May 6.

The coverage area of Noreco II includes various cities and towns such as Dumaguete City, Tanjay City, and Bayawan City, while Noreco I serves northern parts of Negros Oriental, including Bais City and Guihulngan City.

Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Commission on Elections-Negros Island Region director, expressed confidence in the smooth conduct of the elections, citing successful past elections as a precedent. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines also assured a continuous electricity supply, barring extreme emergencies or natural disasters, in compliance with legal mandates.