At just 26 years old, Engr. Mary Ann Dangcal has become an important figure in Davao City’s socioeconomic progress, moving behind the scenes in Davao Light and Power Company’s (Davao Light) Sitio Electrification Program.
Originally from Quezon, Bukidnon, Dangcal serves as a line specialist in Davao Light’s Distribution Services Department (DSD). Her journey began with an application for a customer service role at AboitizPower, but her path took a significant turn when she joined the DSD-Sitio Electrification Program team as a project-based engineer. Her dedication and skill soon secured her a full-time position, where she now plays a crucial role in designing and developing electrical infrastructure.
Reflecting on her unexpected career trajectory, Dangcal recalled a pivotal moment during her initial interview with AboitizPower. When asked how she would use a hypothetical $100,000 from Elon Musk, she simply answered: “I would electrify remote communities.”
“Kay, naka-experience man god ko sa katong trabaho nako before na sa PSA gud. So, nakaadto mig mga far-flung barangays, na nakita na mga situation sa areas na wala pa gyuy kuryente. So mao to, ana ko nindot pod unta tagaan sila og mga electrification projects ba,” she shared. [I answered that way because my previous work in the Philippine Statistics Authority took me to far-flung barangays where I saw the lack of electricity. I began hoping that these communities would be given electrification projects.]
This vision resonated deeply, and it soon became a reality as she transitioned from customer service applicant to a key player in the DSD-Sitio Electrification Program team.
The Sitio Electrification Program is a project of the Philippine Department of Energy, in partnership with the National Electrification Administration. It is one of the government’s priority programs for economic development and poverty reduction by aiming for 100% electrification in the Philippines.
The program aims to energize 399 sitios in Mindanao, along with others in Luzon and Visayas. In 2023, the Sitio Electrification Program completely lit up all of Barangays Lumiad and Malabog in Paquibato District, Davao City, after years of suffering. It was implemented by Davao Light, the third largest privately-owned electric distribution utility in the Philippines in terms of customer size and annual kilowatt-hour sales.
Dangcal’s role involves designing electrical systems for remote sitios, overseeing the placement of posts, and ensuring the alignment of power lines to ensure efficacy and safety. Beyond the technical execution, the sight of these power lines being installed and homes finally connecting to the grid is a source of immense personal and professional pride for the young engineer.
“It’s one thing to learn about electrical engineering in school, but it’s another to see how it changes lives,” Dangcal explained.
Despite the challenges of working in remote areas — such as accessibility and right-of-way issues — Dangcal remains undeterred, knowing full well the community service their team provides in sitios and throughout Davao City.
According to her, there are always hurdles in her line of work. However, when she sees the lights turn on for the first time in areas that were once in darkness, she said it makes all the challenges worth it.
Engr. Mary Ann Dangcal’s journey is an inspiring story of empathy and community empowerment. As she continues to advance in her career and push progress for the residents of Davao City, Dangcal becomes a role model to other young people like her who are looking to transform energy for a better world.
