BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya —Members of the Bugkalot tribe in the upland and remote village of Dupax del Norte town recently received electrification project from the National Electrification Administration.
Barangay New Gumiad, one of the strongholds of the Bugkalot tribe in the province has been one of the targets of NEA through its electrification project in the country.
Bobby Pasigian, barangay captain, said the electrification of their barangay has been a long dream for the villagers as they have long been purchased their power-based appliances and other household needs.
“Now we can use our stored appliances so that they will not be destroyed. Our children can now be comfortable in studying their lessons well. We thank Governor Padilla, the NEA and our power cooperative for this,” he said.
Pasigian also said they can now conduct their tribal events with proper preparations and equipment because of the electrification project.
The approval of the electrification projects in the province has been facilitated by incumbent Gov. Carlos Padilla who was then the representative of the province to the Congress.
Fredel Salvador, Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative information officer said there are only 22 remaining villages left to be energized in the province because of their upland and remote locations.
Meanwhile, Barangay New Gumiad, an upland and remote village of Dupax del Norte town has been inhabited by the Bugkalot since time immemorial.
Earlier, rough, muddy and rugged roads leading to the village takes a traveler to reach it for more than 5 hours.
Villagers prefer to hike on their way to the village when the road is impassable which require longer travel time.
At present, constructed roads funded by the provincial government and the Department of Public Works and Highways have reduced the burden of economic life among the villagers because of their improved accessibility.