The year 2024 is drawing to a close but for three communities in Negros Occidental, a new dawn has broken.
Negros Power brought the gift of electricity to these underserved communities, a press release from the firm said on Sunday, Dec. 29.
Residents of Sitio Bocboc in Barangay Concepcion, Talisay City, erupted in cheers as the switch was flipped, bringing light to their homes for the first time on December 17.
Twenty out of 35 households, who had lived in darkness for far too long, were finally connected to the power grid, Negros Power said.
Despite the inclement weather, the joy of the residents, along with the Talisay City officials and Negros Power representatives, was palpable, the press release said.
“We lived in such darkness for so long,” Gina Tulis, one of the residents, said.
“We are so grateful to Negros Power. They came to our remote area, even though it was difficult, and brought us electricity. Now we have lights, transformers, meters, and everything we need”, Tulis said.
The celebration continued in Purok 8, Barangay Alangilan, Bacolod City, on December 20, as another 37 out of 64 households were connected to the grid. The event was attended by Bacolod City and barangay officials, and Negros Power representatives.
In Purok Citrus, Barangay Bunga, Don Salvador Benedicto, the Negros Power team had to trek more than a kilometer through challenging terrain to reach the 47 households awaiting electricity.
“We are so happy. The whole community is overjoyed,” DSB Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz said.
“As the mayor, I am grateful, thankful, and proud of Negros Power for helping us achieve this long-held dream of having electricity in this area”, Dela Cruz said.
Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, Chief Operating Officer of Negros Power, said “It is so fulfilling to see our customers so happy. Our goal was to bring light to these Sitios before the year ends, and we have achieved that. More sitios will be energized in the next three years.”
Roel Castro, Negros Power president and chief executive officer, said they are committed to providing electricity to all consumers, regardless of location or cost.
“We are dedicated to electrifying all residents in our franchise area, no matter how remote or challenging. Every consumer deserves access to electricity, and we will continue to work tirelessly to make that happen”, Castro said.
“These initial three Sitio Electrification Projects are more than just technical achievements; they are a testament to the power of compassion and the transformative impact of bringing light into the lives of those living in darkness,” Castro added.
“The joy, gratitude, and hope that illuminated the faces of the residents in these communities is a reminder to us that the true measure of success is not just in the numbers but in the lives that are touched”, Castro said.*