As the Philippines continues its journey toward universal electricity access, rural communities across the archipelago remain the most challenging to reach. Geographic isolation, aging infrastructure, and economic constraints have long kept millions of Filipinos in the dark. Yet the past year has been pivotal this ongoing battle against energy poverty, with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) delivering breakthrough partnerships, emergency responses, and innovative solutions that brought power—and hope—to the country’s most remote corners.
NEA marks major gains in rural electrification initiatives
The National Electrification Administration made significant strides in 2024, forging strategic partnerships and deploying critical infrastructure projects that expanded economic opportunities for marginalized communities nationwide.
Strategic partnerships drive infrastructure development – Early in 2024, NEA signed landmark agreements with organizations including the Maharlika Investment Corporation, targeting power infrastructure improvements in Palawan and Mindoro—islands that had struggled with unstable energy supply for years.
The agency also renewed its partnership with the University of the Philippines to advance rural electrification programs through joint research supporting the government’s Accelerated Total Electrification Plan.
Digital innovation transforms operations – NEA’s launch of its National Command Center represented a major technological leap, digitalizing operations to monitor and respond to power issues across its 121 partner electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide. This innovation enhances the agency’s ability to maintain reliable service for rural communities.
The milestone achievement of 16 million consumer connections was celebrated when Lin-ay Sabado from Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) was introduced as the NEA-EC milestone member during the agency’s 55th founding anniversary rites with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (PHILRECA) and other allied organizations.
Emergency response showcases operational excellence – NEA demonstrated its crisis management capabilities by averting prolonged power outages in two island provinces. When Siquijor experienced widespread blackouts due to damaged generation units, Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda ordered the transfer of a two-megawatt modular generator from Palawan for the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PROSIELCO) to restore service while repairs proceeded.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Administrator Almeda met with Siquijor Governor Jake Vincent Villa to develop immediate and long-term solutions for the province’s electricity needs.
Similar swift action followed when an undersea cable fault caused a two-week blackout in Siargao. NEA commissioned a four-megawatt generator with support from neighboring ECs, restoring power to critical areas before achieving full island coverage.
Education initiative targets remote schools – Beyond traditional electrification, NEA partnered with the Department of Education to power remote learning institutions in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara signed an agreement with Administrator Almeda to fund school electrification projects using renewable energy technologies.
In June, the partnership energized Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Sitio Tagpangi, Agusan del Norte—a remote off-grid community exemplifying the Marcos administration’s commitment to enhancing education quality in “last mile schools.”
From crisis response to classroom illumination, NEA’s initiatives in the last year demonstrate how strategic electrification efforts can transform communities while building resilience across the Philippine archipelago. These achievements lay the foundation for an even more ambitious agenda this 2025 and beyond, as the agency leverages its strengthened partnerships, enhanced digital capabilities, and proven crisis response framework to accelerate progress toward universal electrification.
