NEA Reaffirms Commitment to Energize Last-Mile Schools
NEA Pledges to Energize All Last-Mile schools in the Philippines by 2028
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BACOLOD CITY – The National Electrification Governance (NEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to bring electricity to all remaining “last-mile” schools across the Philippines within the next three years, a crucial step towards equitable access to education and opportunity for Filipino children. The pledge was made during the closing ceremony of the NEA-EC Convergence held at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on Saturday,with Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny angara in attendance.
National Effort to Bridge the Electricity Gap in Education
Currently, 2,359 schools nationwide lack access to electricity, hindering learning opportunities and digital inclusion. NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda called upon electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide to actively participate in fulfilling this vital mandate.
“2,359, remember this number of our last-mile schools that we still have to energize. I am now asking for your support. Let’s do this,” Almeda stated, emphasizing the urgency and collaborative nature of the initiative.
The NEA has committed to energizing an initial 295 schools by the end of 2025,with a further 1,900 schools slated for completion before President Ferdinand R.Marcos Jr.’s term ends in 2028. This ambitious timeline underscores the government’s dedication to improving educational infrastructure and outcomes in underserved communities.
Partnership between NEA, DepEd, and UP for Sustainable Solutions
This initiative is built upon a strong partnership between the NEA and the Department of Education, formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed in February. The agreement aims to provide reliable electricity to last-mile schools in off-grid and underserved areas, fostering a stronger educational foundation and expanding opportunities for students.
Recognizing the need for tailored and sustainable solutions, the NEA is collaborating with the University of the Philippines (UP). UP provides crucial technical expertise in designing electrification systems specifically suited to the unique challenges faced by remote and geographically isolated communities. This ensures that the implemented solutions are not only effective but also scalable and long-lasting.
First Success Story: Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School
The impact of the Last-Mile School electrification Program is already being felt.Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Sitio Tagpangi, Barangay simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, recently became the first school to benefit from the program. Now equipped with solar power and internet connectivity, the school is providing students with access to modern learning tools and resources. This pilot project serves as a model for future electrification efforts across the country.
Electricity as a Fundamental Right in Education
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara passionately advocated for electricity in last-mile schools, framing it not as a luxury, but as a fundamental right for all Filipino students.
“Electricity in last-mile schools must no longer be a luxury but a fundamental right,” Angara emphasized. He urged continued collaboration between the NEA and ECs with the DepEd to create “an education system where every basic need is met.”
Angara further stressed the importance of equitable access to education in the 21st century, stating, “In this century, access to power should be non-negotiable. As we celebrate NEA’s 56th founding anniversary, let it be a call to action to continue bringing light and comfort to every Filipino.”
NEA-EC Convergence: Powering the Future Together
The NEA-EC Convergence, attended by officials and personnel from 121 ECs nationwide, served as a platform for collaboration and strategic planning.Organized in partnership with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc.and other allied organizations, the summit focused on the theme “Powering the Future” and coincided with the observance of the 16th National Electrification Awareness Month.
This collective effort demonstrates a unified commitment to expanding electricity access and improving the lives of Filipinos, notably in the realm of education. The NEA’s dedication, coupled with the support of ECs and the expertise of UP, promises a brighter future for students in even the most remote corners of the philippines. (PNA)