Livelihood Training Program for Electricians in Negros

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Negrense electricians get a skills upgrade, thanks to Negros Power and TESDA. A total of 77 barangay electricians from four cities in Negros Occidental have completed the inaugural Barangay Electrician Livelihood Training (BELT). This was held last October 9, 2025.

What is the Barangay Electrician Livelihood Training (BELT)

The Barangay Electrician Livelihood Training (BELT) is a full-day skills enhancement and livelihood development program, held at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall. It is a collaborative effort between Negros Power, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and local barangay leadership.

*77 barangay electricians successfully finished the TESDA training in cooperation with Negros Power.*

It is a pioneering initiative to boost community safety and create sustainable income opportunities. It will also increase the number of neighborhood electricians in the community who can help when emergency situations arise.

The first phase of BELT brought together participants from:

Bacolod City (28 participants)
Bago City (20 participants)
Talisay City (18 participants)
Silay City (11 participants)

Its core objectives for the graduates are:

to refine electricians’ skills in safe residential wiring
strengthen stakeholder partnerships
promote decent livelihood opportunities

Why Upskilling is Important

Miss Maricel Pe, Assistant Vice President for Customer Care and Marketing Head of Negros Power, emphasized the program’s broader impact.

“The BELT program is not just about training—it’s about empowerment,” Pe stated. “Our barangay electricians are our partners in ensuring that every home and community is safe, well-lit, and future-ready. Through the support of TESDA and our local leaders, we provide skills and opportunities that help build better and more sustainable livelihoods.”

*A demo and workshop was included in the sessions.*

Meanwhile, Engr. Bernard Del Castillo, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technical Officer of Negros Power, highlighted the link between technical competence and public welfare. “Electricity is the backbone of modern living, and safety starts with skilled hands,” Del Castillo said.

“Through this training, we are equipping our barangay electricians with the right technical knowledge and standards to ensure that every household connection is safe and compliant. BELT is part of Negros Power’s broader mission to deliver reliable power while nurturing competent partners in the community,” he added.

A Message of Thanks

The electricians themselves expressed gratitude, noting the training’s direct impact on their work and job prospects.

Ramil Dela Cruz, an electrician from Talisay City, shared that the program provided tangible, new skills. “We learned new techniques in safe wiring and proper handling of electrical systems. It gives us more confidence to serve our communities and opens doors for more job opportunities,” he said.

John Jolito of Bago City noted the increased awareness of their crucial role in public safety. “We gained a lot of practical knowledge and safety reminders that we can apply immediately. It also made us realize our role in making our communities safe from electrical hazards.”

*Negros Power is hopeful that this program is going to expand and uplift the lives of community electricians.*

Meanwhile, Arman Diokno from Bacolod City pointed to the economic benefits. “Through BELT, I now see more stable work and income possibilities. The training didn’t just upgrade our skills—it gave us hope and direction.”

The success of this initial training paves the way for the program’s expansion. The second phase of the BELT is scheduled to take place in Murcia on October 29, 2025. The organizers are hoping to extend its reach to more communities across Negros Occidental.