THE government, led by President Duterte and Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, switched on last Saturday its electrification projects in the provinces comprising the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
On-grid electrification projects include the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nationwide Intensification of Household Electrification (NIHE) and ER1-94 Electrification Funded Projects, and the National Electrification Administration’s Sitio Electrification Program and Barangay Line Enhancement Program.
For Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, a total of P371.71 million worth of electrification projects were identified from 2015. Next year P4.84-million electrification projects will benefit 166 households.
For Tawi-Tawi, a total of P91.62 million worth of electrification projects in 2015 to 2016 will benefit 1,620 households. For 2017, a P18.31-million electrification project will benefit 2,263 households.
For Basilan, a total of P60.6 million worth of electrification projects in 2015 to 2016 will benefit 889 households in the province. For 2017, a P2.81-million electrification project will benefit 270 households.
For Sulu, a total of P50.3 million worth of electrification projects will benefit 2,628 households. In 2017 a P10.88-million electrification project will benefit 1,345 households.
For off-grid electrification, the DOE has initiated the Household Electrification Program (HEP) where electrification projects worth P610 million will be implemented by electric cooperatives in ARMM until 2017.
Moreover, 30 units of photovoltaic (PV) solar-home systems were turned over to ARMM.
The DOE completed a total of 3,868 PV solar home- system units in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Sulu under its HEP. Next year, the DOE will deliver a total of 3,878 units of the PV solar-home system in Tawi-Tawi (2,263 units), Basilan (270 units) and Sulu (1,345 units).
The government also donated a total of 30 units of 30-watt PV solar-home system to ARMM. This was received by ARMM Gov. Mujiv S. Hataman on behalf of household beneficiaries in the three provinces.
The President’s last stop was the ceremonial awarding of a check worth P13.833 million to Maguindanao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Magelco) for the implementation of the NIHE program that will benefit 3,689 households within its franchise area.
Under the NIHE program, the DOE provides assistance amounting to at least P3,750 as subsidy to each eligible household for the cost of house-wiring and additional service drops per housing unit.
The NIHE program will be implemented by Magelco in the municipalities of Ampatuan, Buldon, Matanog, Barira, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Piang, North Upi, Parang, South Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, Sultan Sa Barongis, Rajah Buayan, Talayan, Guindulungan and Talitay.
The check was received by Magelco General Manager Sultan Ashary P. Maongco.