By Ritchelle Drilon
Ang kahayag sa unang panahon pangitaunon, pero sa pagkakaron, kahayag na ang muduol sa matag sitio pinaagi sa programa sa Davao Light… nga diin gihatag ug isuporta sa atong mga katawhan diri sa barangay (Back then, access to electricity was hard to find. But now, electricity has come to us through the Davao Light program that was given to us here in our barangay to provide support to our residents).
– Brgy. Councilor Romeldo Barwado, Paradise Embak, Davao City
Electricity has been and will always be an integral part in the modern world’s progress. Since its discovery, it has played an essential role in improving the quality of lives of millions of people across the globe. It is fundamental in the field of livelihood, transportation, medicine and education. Economically, it opens up opportunities for business creation and city growth and development, generating jobs for people living in the area as well.
With this, the government, under the supervision of the Department of Energy, sees the need to extend the benefits of electricity to the marginalized sector, which includes fisherfolk and farmers living in remote, far-flung areas, and un-electrified barangays to provide opportunities of having a better quality of life. This is actualized through the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) to which Davao Light rightfully obliged.
Since 2018, Davao Light has extended energy services to remote communities. As of December 13, 2021, a 99.02% hit mark was achieved out of around 3,868 target sitios to be energized within its franchise area covering Davao City, Panabo City, and the Municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.
One of the program beneficiaries is Paquibato District, which used to be known as for incidents of insurgency. The electrification project helped in maintaining peace and order in the area and opened many opportunities to its residents.
Captain Alfredo Balansag of Brgy. Paradise Embak said that with the installation of lights came improved peace and order as well as economic growth of the community.
“Dako kaayo akong pasalamat kay dako kaayo ning tabang sa mga tao. Sauna, akong mga tao diri lisod kaayo kay tungod sa kalisod sa dalan, wala man diri mga proyekto, wala pa kaayo’y musulod nga mga negosyo ba. Karon halos among mga tao niasenso tungod sa naa nay kuryente, unya maka-negosyo na sila og tarong (I’m grateful as this [electricity] is very helpful to our people. We used to struggle due to the difficulties of the road, lack of projects, and few businesses coming in. Now, majority of our people have improved lives, they are able to conduct their business effectively),” he said.
He also mentioned that since electrification, the barangay became host to various projects, including telecommunications towers, more school buildings, and roads, among others.
Residents of Purok 4-a and Purok 8 in Brgy. Paradise Embak were grateful to have their area included in the program and now fully enjoy the benefits of electricity. The barangay officers’ reminded the community to take care of it, not only for themselves but more so for future generations.
“Atong proteksyonan ang kinaiyahan nga diin karon pagahayagan pinaagi sa kompanya sa Davao Light nga kini isa gyud nga atong gipangandoy sa kinabuhi nga muabot ni sa atong tagsa-tagsang panimalay. Hinaot unta nga ang tanang katawhan nga makadawat niini, ato jud ning tagaan og dakong bili sa atong kinabuhi dili lang para sa atong kaugalingon apan alang sab sa sumusunod nga kabataan. Madasigon ug malaumon kita kay kita ang gihatagan niini, kita ang muproteksyon niini, kita usab ang mabulahan niini alang kanatong tanan (Let us protect our environment that is now given light through the program of Davao Light… We have been longing for electricity in our houses for a very long time. Let’s put importance on this not only for ourselves but for the future youth as well. We are elated and hopeful because we are given the opportunity, we must preserve it as we will greatly benefit from it),” Brgy. Councilor Romeldo Baruado said.
To further promote safety, Davao Light personnel have also oriented barangay officials and purok leaders about electrical safety and energy conservation, as well as tips on how to avoid fire incidents.
Davao Light is committed to its promise of advancing business and communities through electrification programs such as the SEP. For this particular program, Davao Light strives to have all sitios within its franchise area energized by 2023.
