Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Silay City government to provide safe, legal, and reliable electricity to more than 5,000 informal settler households “in a groundbreaking move toward inclusive development and public safety”.
The MOA signing took place in Silay City on Friday, April 4, and was attended by Mayor Joedith C. Gallego, Councilor Mike Maravilla, Negros Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro, and other officials.
The agreement addresses the urgent need to replace hazardous, illegal connections with legitimate, metered electricity in underserved communities, a press release from Negros Power said.
“This MOA is a testament to our shared goal of building a more secure, dignified, and sustainable future for all Silaynons,” Gallego said.
“Legal electrification is a basic right and a vital foundation for further development in these communities,” he added.
Under Republic Act No. 12011, Negros Power has been granted the franchise to operate the electric distribution system in Central Negros, including Silay City.
With this authority, Negros Power is now tasked to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory access to electricity, especially for informal settlers — defined as those living on land they do not legally own but occupy with tolerance from public or private entities, Castro said.
“This agreement is about more than just powering homes,” Castro added.
“It’s about enabling dreams, improving safety, and unlocking economic and educational opportunities for thousands of families”, Castro said
Under the MOA, Negros Power is responsible for identifying qualified informal settlers and submitting a validated list to the local government through the City Engineer’s Office or Office of the Building Official.
The requirements for electric connection coverage are a government-issued ID, photograph of the applicant standing in front of the house, Barangay Certificate of Residency, affidavit of Undertaking for Informal Settlers, Temporary Electrical Permit and Proof of Security Deposit payment.
The Silay City government is expected to assist in the issuance and validation of required documents that include Barangay Certificates of Residency, Temporary Electrical Permits, Affidavits of Undertaking, Verification of ID and residence photographs, and to ensure that all required documents are processed within five days from the date of request.
The city government will also conduct regular inspections in coordination with Negros Power to ensure continued compliance and qualification.
The Mayor of Silay City may issue an Executive Order to streamline the process for issuing Temporary Electrical Permits.
The MOA states that it will not reduce or remove any existing rights or benefits provided to informal settlers under other applicable laws.
Silay City, a third-class component city with sixteen barangays, has long faced challenges related to fire hazards and community safety due to illegal and unsafe power connections, the press release said.
Through this collaboration, informal settlers will be formally integrated into the energy grid, allowing them to access government programs linked to legal utility connections and residency documentation, it said.
This joint initiative marks a sustained commitment from both Negros Power and the Silay City Government to promote energy safety, equitable service, and inclusive growth across the city, the press release added.*