By Claro A. Lanipa
PAGADIAN CITY – With the implementation
of Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) and the Barangay Line Enhancement
Program (BLEP) of the present administration through the National
Electrification Administration (NEA), a total rural electrification is
projected to achieve before President Aquino’s term ends.
Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative I (ZAMSURECO I)
Information Officer Liberal Cabatcha during a media forum on Thursday reported
that as of July 1, 2013 there are still 23,860 un-energized sitios and puroks
all over the country.
These un-energized sitios and puroks are set to be
energized on the following target schedules: 2013 – 10,394 sitios with a total
budget of P7.38 million, 2014 - 7,073 sitios with a budget of P6.36 million,
and 2015 – 7,291 with an approximately budget of P7.3 million. “The budget
allocation will come from the national government,” Cabatcha said.
It can be recalled President Aquino signed Republic Act
10531 on May 9, 2013 and mandated the National Electrification Administration
(NEA) to implement total electrification by way of enhancing distribution
system development of electric cooperatives.
Under this electrification program, the first 30
indigent member-consumers who will apply for connection in a sitio or purok are
entitled to receive P2,500 worth of electrical materials, to include free
kilowatt meter, 30-60 meters service drop wire and free installation inside the
house. Instead of a private electrician to do the work, a lineman of the
electric coop will do the installation, Cabatcha explained.
Meanwhile, ZAMSURECO I has 1,032 sitios and puroks to
be energized under this program with a budget allocation of P94,109,193.96 from
the national government through the NEA.
ZAMSURECO I has joined this year’s celebration of National
Electrification Awareness Month with the theme, “Electricity: An Enabler in
Improving Lives in the Countryside.” (PIA9)