The Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC or Negros Power) is committed to bringing service beyond power. The company continues to display its commitment and compassion, bringing the gift of electricity to underserved communities through its Sitio Electrification Projects. Before the year ended, three remote communities in Central Negros were connected to the power grid. In this age of digital connectivity, there are still people who live in literal darkness, and Negros Power is bent on widening its scope to reach these areas.
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Negros Power Sitio Electrification Projects Bring Electricity to Underserved Communities Before Year’s End
This month, 3 sitios were recipients of the sitio electrification projects from Negros Power. These are in Bacolod City, Talisay City, and the Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto. For as long as they can remember, residents of these areas thought that they were just too far to have electricity.
Sitio Bocboc (Talisay)
On December 17, the residents of Sitio Bocboc in Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City, erupted in cheers as the switch was flipped, bringing light to their homes for the first time. Twenty out of 35 households that had lived in darkness for far too long were finally connected to the power grid. Despite the inclement weather, the joy of the residents, along with the Talisay LGU officials and Negros Power representatives, was palpable.
“We lived in such darkness for so long,” shared Gina Tulis, one of the residents, her voice filled with emotion. “We are so grateful to Negros Power. They came to our remote area, even though it was difficult, and brought us electricity. Now we have lights, transformers, meters, and everything we need.”
Purok 8, Brgy. Alangilan (Bacolod)
The celebration continued in Purok 8, Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, on December 20th, as another 37 out of 64 households were connected to the grid. The event, attended by Bacolod LGU officials, barangay officials, and Negros Power representatives, was a testament to the company’s commitment to electrifying all residents in the area.
Purok Citrus (Don Salvador Benedicto)
However, the journey to bring light to these communities was not always easy. In Purok Citrus, Barangay Bunga, Municipality of Don Salvador Benedicto, Negros Power team members had to trek more than a kilometer through challenging terrain to reach the 47 households eagerly awaiting electricity.
Immeasurable Joy
The smiles on the faces of the residents as they welcomed the Negros Power team into their communities spoke volumes about their acceptance of this gift.
“We are so happy! The whole community is overjoyed,” exclaimed Mayor Lawrence Marxlen Dela Cruz of Don Salvador Benedicto. “As the mayor, I am grateful, thankful, and proud of Negros Power for helping us achieve this long-held dream of having electricity in this area.”
The joy was shared by everyone involved. Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, Chief Operating Officer of Negros Power, expressed his satisfaction, “It is so fulfilling to see our customers so happy. We have achieved our goal to bring light to these Sitios before the year ends. More sitios will be energized in the next 3 years.”
Negros Power President and Chief Executive Officer Roel Castro echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing electricity to all consumers, regardless of location or cost. “We are dedicated to electrifying all residents in our franchise area, no matter how remote or challenging. Every consumer deserves access to electricity, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make that happen.”
Long-Term Commitment
“These initial three Sitio Electrification Projects are more than just technical achievements; they are a testament to the power of compassion and the transformative impact of bringing light into the lives of those living in darkness,” Castro added. “The joy, gratitude, and hope that illuminated the faces of the residents in these communities is a reminder to us that the true measure of success is not just in the numbers but in the lives that are touched.”