Electricity has, and always will be, hand-in-hand with this world’s ascension to modernization. It has become an essential part of modern people’s lives and has improved the quality of life since. It is fundamental in the field of livelihood, transportation, medicine and education. Economically, it opens up opportunities for business creation and city growth and development, which will generate more jobs for the people living in the area as well.
With this, the government, by the supervision of the Department of Energy (DOE), sees the need to extend the benefits of electricity to the marginalized sector, the fisherfolk and farmers living in remote, far-flung areas, and un-electrified barangays of the country to provide opportunities of improved quality of life. This is actualized through the Sitio Electrification Program or SEP – to which the Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) rightfully obliged.
Since 2018, Davao Light has been extending energy services to remote communities. As of December 13, 2021, a 99.02% hit mark was achieved out of around 3,868 target sitios to be energized within its franchise areas covering Davao City, Panabo City, and the Municipalities of Carmen, Dujali and Sto. Tomas.
One of the beneficiaries of the said program is Paquibato District, used to be known as a place with several insurgency incidents. The electrification project helped a lot in maintaining peace and order in the area and opened a lot of opportunities to the residents.
Brgy. Kapitan Alfredo Balansag of Brgy. Paradise Embak said that along with the installation of lights comes the improved peace and order and economic growth of the community.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay dako kaayo ning tabang sa mga tao. Sauna, akong mga tao diri lisod kaayo kay tungod sa kalisod sa dalan, wala man diri mga proyekto, wala pa kaayo’y musulod nga mga negosyo ba. Karon halos among mga tao niasenso tungod sa naa nay kuryente, unya maka-negosyo na sila og tarong” (I’m grateful as this (electricity) is very helpful to our people. We used to struggle due to the difficulties of the road, lack of projects, and few businesses coming in. Now, majority of our people have improved lives, they are able to conduct their business effectively), he said.
He also mentioned that since electrification, there have been a lot of projects in the barangay, such as the installation of telecommunications towers, the construction of school buildings, roads, and so on.
Residents of Purok 4-a and Purok 8 at Brgy. Paradise Embak was grateful to have their area included in the program and now fully enjoy the benefits of electricity. The barangay officers’ only warning to the people is to take care of it, not only for themselves but for the future generation also.
“Atong proteksyonan ang kinaiyahan nga diin karon pagahayagan pinaagi sa kompanya sa Davao Light nga kini isa gyud nga atong gipangandoy sa kinabuhi nga muabot ni sa atong tagsa-tagsang panimalay. Hinaot unta nga ang tanang katawhan nga makadawat niini, ato jud ning tagaan og dakong bili sa atong kinabuhi dili lang para sa atong kaugalingon apan alang sab sa sumusunod nga kabataan. Madasigon ug malaumon kita kay kita ang gihatagan niini, kita ang muproteksyon niini, kita usab ang mabulahan niini alang kanatong tanan” (Let us protect our environment that is now given light through the program of Davao Light… We have been longing for electricity in our houses for a very long time. Let’s put importance on this not only for ourselves but for the future youth as well. We are elated and hopeful because we are given the opportunity, we must preserve it as we will greatly benefit from it.), Brgy. Kagawad Romeldo Baruado said.
To further promote safety, Davao Light personnel have also oriented barangay officials and purok leaders – which was later disseminated to the area – about electrical safety and conservation tips, including dos and don’ts to avoid fire accidents.
Davao Light has been committed to its promise of advancing business and communities through electrification programs such as SEP. For this particular electrification program, Davao Light strives to have all sitios within the franchise area energized by 2023.
