COUNCILOR Louie John Bonguyan reported that 99% of all sitios in the city are now energized and with expanded access to electricity.
During the Aprubado sa Konseho on Tuesday, March 25, the committee chair on energy and water, attributed the high rate to the initiative of the city government to continue reaching far-flung sitios in the city.
“Padayon gihapon mi in coordination with Davao Light sa Sitio Electrification Program where ang barangay, ginahinay-hinay na ug energize up to their sitio-level,” Bonguyan said.
Sitio Electrification Program is a project of the Department of Energy, in partnership with the National Electrification Administration, for 100% electrification in the country, one of the government’s priority programs for economic development and reducing poverty.
Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia reported that almost 100% of the city barangays have access to electricity, yet energizing the remaining off-grid villages is still ongoing.
In January, Davao Light energized Sitio Kiman-anao, Barangay Salapawan, Paquibato District, which the residents are now enjoying.
However, Bonguyan noted that the distance of some sitios remains a challenge for the program, citing, for example, Barangay Tapak in the second district, which is 2-3 hours away from downtown.
“We are just waiting for the road construction going to Tapak to be completed before the Davao Light can come in,” the councilor added.
Bonguyan recalled that electric posts had been erected for the target electrification in the barangay but were eventually damaged due to the road-widening construction.
The councilor stressed that the electrification program is dependent on the completion of the road projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways to fix final areas for electric posts to be erected.
Once Tapak is energized, Bonguyan said all barangays in the city will achieve 100% electrification.
