January 24, 2019

LIGHTS for 602 households with no electricity in far-flung areas in the Third District of Negros Occidental will soon be a reality under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Household Electrification Program (HEP).

NEGROS. Participants of the coordination meeting for the implementation of the Department of Energy Household Electrification Program in the Third District, Negros Occidental. (Contributed photo)

In a recent coordination meeting in Victorias City facilitated by the Office of Congressman Alfredo Benitez, Jimmy Planas of DOE briefed the participants of the status of the ongoing implementation and prepared the household beneficiaries to comply with requirements to avail of the home-based solar system kit. 

Among those present in the meeting were Central Negros Electric Cooperative Inc. representatives Jennefer Tajunio and Junjun Peconcillo; Carlo Allan Aquino of Trademaster; Cesar Gallarin of Friendship Builders Foundation, program partner of DOE; Malu Resurrecion from the Congressional Office and staff of the District Office led by Programs and Services head Lagrimas Silvestre and Executive Assistant Paz Marie Valenciano.

Philippine Women’s University president and younger brother of Benitez, Francisco Benitez, also attended the meeting.

The HEP solar kit will provide electricity for lighting, radio, MP3 player, and phone charger to remote areas unreachable by power lines using renewable energy system.

DOE directly administers procurement until the installation of the off-grid power system, supports the social preparation and capacity-building, regular monitoring and technical assistance to beneficiaries.

Benitez’s office serves as the coordinating center to ensure smooth flow of implementation and facilitate synergy among all program participants.

Areas covered by the program were Barangays Amayco, Canlandog, Minoyan, Salvacion, and Sta. Rosa in Murcia; five sitios of Barangay Katilingban in Talisay; three sitios of Barangay Guimbalaon in Silay; five sitios in Barangay Canlusong in E.B. Magalona; and two sitios of Barangay 20, Victorias City. (PR)