The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said it can improve the implementation of electrification projects given its increased budget under this year’s General Appropriations Act.
Edgardo Masongsong, NEA administrator, said national government subsidy for rural electrification was augmented by P768 million, from P1.531 billion to P2.299 billion.
From that amount, Masongsong said P1.398 billion is appropriated for the implementation of the second phase of the Sitio Electrification Program, higher than the previous allocation of P1.162 billion.
A P500-million funding is earmarked to implement the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund Act. However, the amount is lower than the P750 million promised for the initial implementation of the law which will be taken from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, aimed at assisting electric cooperatives in the form of grants for the immediate restoration or rehabilitation of damaged infrastructures due to force majeure.
A Quick Response Fund of P100 million is allocated as a stand-by fund for replacement, reconstruction, rehabilitation or repair of distribution facilities in the aftermath of calamities.
“The additional funding and the provision of emergency fund for electric cooperatives in the aftermath of calamities are a recognition of the key role that rural electrification plays in spurring social and economic growth, creating employment, and improving the living conditions of Filipinos in the countryside,” Masongsong said.
NEA also welcomed the provision of P45 million for the establishment of a Customer Management and Quick Response System for Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative Inc., Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative Inc. and Tablas Island Electric Cooperative Inc.
Each will receive P15 million.
Another P145 million is allocated for the Philippine government’s counterpart funding in the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s donation for electric cooperatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
A P109.96-million fund was also granted for the electrification of local government unit and non-government organizations-led resettlement sites.
