Lights  for 602 households with no electricity  in far-flung areas in the Third District of Negros Occidental will soon be a reality under the Department of Energy’s Household Electrification Program (HEP).

Participants of the coordination meeting for the implementation of the Department of Energy Household Electrification Program in the Third District, with Dr. Francisco Benitez (3rd from left, seated) as guest and DOE Engr. Jimmy Planas (4th from left, seated).

            In a recent coordination meeting in Victorias City facilitated by the Office of Congressman Alfredo Benitez, DOE Engr. Jimmy Planas briefed participants of  the status of ongoing implementation preparing beneficiary households to comply with  requirements to avail of the home-based solar system kit.

            Among those present in the meeting were CENECO representatives  Engr. Jennefer Tajunio and Junjun Peconcillo, Carlo Allan Aquino of Trademaster, Cesar Gallarin of Friendship Builders Foundation, program partner of DOE, Malu Resurrecion from the Congressional Office and staff of the District Office led by Programs and Services head Lagrimas Silvestre and Executive Assistant Paz Marie Valenciano. Phlippine Women’s University president and younger brother of Cong. Benitez, Dr, Francisco Benitez also attended the meeting.

            The HEP solar kit will provide electricity for lighting, radio, MP3 player and phone charger to remote areas unreachable by power lines using renewable energy system.

            DOE directly administers procurement until installation of the off grid power system, supports the social preparation and capacity-building, regular monitoring and technica;l assistance to beneficiaries.

            Cong. Benitez office serves as the coordinating center to ensure smooth flow of implementation and facilitate synergy among all program participants.

            Areas covered include Barangays Amayco, Canlandog, Minoyan, Salvacion and Sta. Rosa in Murcia.  Five sitios of Barangay Katilingban in Talisay qualified.  Three sitios of Barangay Guimbalaon in Silay are reached.  In EB Magalona, there are five sitios in Barangay Canlusong and in Victorias two sitios of Barangay 20 are included.

            The beneficiaries are organized into associations.  Local government unit heads and barangay leaders are tapped for support. *