Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed confidence that the National Electrification Administration (NEA) can electrify around 22,000 rural homes with its P1.87-billion subsidy from the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The recently signed GAA authorizes the national government to spend a total of P6.352 trillion for public services, including the decades-long rural electrification program through the state-owned corporation.
In a recent press statement, Gatchalian noted that insufficient government funding has been a major obstacle to achieving full rural electrification.
As of June 2023, approximately 4.214 million households across the Philippines still lacked electricity, with a government goal to achieve complete electrification by 2028.
He emphasized that while progress has been made under the five-year plan, continued budgetary support is essential for reaching this target.
Gatchalian highlighted that economic development in rural areas hinges on access to electricity, which is vital for attracting investments and supporting small businesses.
“Electricity is a fundamental need for various businesses in remote areas to create jobs and foster economic growth,” he said.
Currently, national electrification stands at 89 percent, with projections to rise to 91 percent this year.
The government’s electrification plan aims for coverage of 94 percent by 2025, 97 percent by 2026, and full electrification by 2027.
As of August 2024, NEA had successfully energized 1,153 sitios through subsidies from the previous year.
