• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Residents of Purok Sunflower in Barangay Binubuhan, Bago City, Negros Occidental, who lived in the shadows, and whose lives illuminated only by the flickering flames of kerosene lamps for decades, thanked Negros Power for the energization of their village.
On March10, the ceremonial switch-on of the Sitio Electrification Program in Purok Sunflower brought electricity to nearly 90 homes, according to Negros Power.
The project, featuring the longest power line constructed under Negros Power’s electrification initiative, spanned 36 spans, with 60 newly installed electric poles, and three transformers.
For Amelita Boltes, a 71-year-old resident, the arrival of electricity was a long-awaited blessing, stressing that it is difficult for them if there is no electricity.
Purok president Jobert Quatero, who echoed the sentiments of his community, thanked Negros Power for giving them lights.
Negros Power said the project is a testament to its commitment to energizing all areas within its franchise over the next three years.
“We want everyone, every sitio, to have electricity,” said Roel Z. Castro, Chief Executive Officer and President of Negros Power. “If the city has electricity, the sitios should have it, too. We are committed to this mission, and we will do it. We are here to help, and we will deliver on our promises,” he added.
The ceremonial switch-on, according to the distribution utility, was a celebration of hope, progress, and the transformative power of electricity.
The event was attended by key officials from Negros Power, along with local government officials from Bago City and Barangay Binubuhan.
“We voted for this new franchisee because we knew they would bring the funds and the capital for rural electrification,” declared Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo, addressing the residents of Purok Sunflower.
“We are grateful to be prioritized by Negros Power, and we are confident that within a few years, 100% of Bago City will be energized,” Yulo added.*
