Rep. Jose Alvarez attended on Thursday the signing of the agreement between the education department and the electrification administration for a program that would bring power to unenergized schools, ensuring that those in Palawan will be included.
The signing of the memorandum of agreement between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the School Electrification Program for Unenergized Schools took place at the NEA Building in Diliman, Quezon City, between Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda.
It was signed in the presence of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez, and other stakeholders.
Rep. Alvarez, through his second district office, underlined the importance of including outlying schools in the province.
“We thank Admin. Almeda and Sec. Angara for making sure that schools in Palawan will not be left behind in providing quality education for Palaweño,” he said.
The school electrification program will install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in schools in remote areas that remain without access to reliable electricity.
Almeda stated that the collaboration was established to create improved opportunities for students in underserved communities.
“This moment reflects a shared vision and a unified effort to address one of the most vital aspects of development—ensuring that every child, regardless of how remote their location may be, has access to the transformative power of education and electricity,” he said.
The agreement stipulates that the DepEd is tasked with identifying and prioritizing schools requiring power, securing the necessary permits from local government units, and delivering corresponding logistical and financial support to execute the project.
The NEA will provide technical support for the installation of solar PV panels, oversee their functioning, and undertake assessments to guarantee project completion.
“In the past, power has given us access, power has given us entertainment, and power has facilitated commerce and e-commerce. Kaya itong binibigay natin ngayon, hindi lang kuryente, hindi lang ilaw ‘yan, pag-asa ang binibigay natin sa ating mga kababayan,” Angara said.
NEA said it will mandate electric cooperatives (ECs) to avoid imposing any charges, fees, or costs associated with the maintenance and sustainability of the program. project.
