Rama Switches on PHP24.4-M Power Project for 25 Sub-villages in Upland Cebu City Villages

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama Wednesday switched on the PHP24.4-million rural electrification project for 25 sitios or sub-villages in four hinterland barangays in the city.

These sub-villages, located in Barangays Kalunasan, Lusaran, Sinsin and Buhisan, have no electrical connection in the last 50 years.

“Let there be light!” Rama said during the ceremonial switch-on at the Cebu City Social Hall witnessed by some of the beneficiaries, who said they have been waiting for this for 50 years.

Rama, who approved the project based on the recommendation of the barangay officials, said residents in these villages are happy because they can now do some chores at night.

“This electrification project will surely improve the life of the poor people, especially that we already concreted most of the roads in the mountain barangays. Now that there are Veco posts in these areas, the streetlights will follow,” said Rama.

Lawyer Jill Verallo, head of the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) Reputation Enhancement Department, said that 527 households are expected to benefit from the rural electrification project in Cebu.

Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas Director Antonio Labios said the electrification project is funded under Energy Regulations 1-94, the implementing rules and regulations of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.

Labios said the law requires all power generators or power producers to set aside one centavo of their gross income for the host municipalities, cities, provinces and Regional Development Councils (RDCs).

The proceeds from this will be used to provide basic services, such as electricity and other development projects, to the Filipino people to uplift their lives and bring equitable benefits to host communities.

Labios said the DOE received the funds and turned these over to Veco, which implemented the project. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS