Corporate Social Responsibility Davao Light Sustainability Power Distribution

Sitio Electrification Program continues to light up homes in Davao City

January 04, 2022

“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. (Before, 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. Paradise Embak Kagawad Romeldo Barwado

Electricity will always go hand in hand with progress and development. It is an essential part of the modern world and has vastly improved the quality of human life. It is fundamental in livelihood, transportation, medicine, and education. Economically, electricity provides opportunities for creating and growing businesses and developing cities, generating more jobs and opening more doors for everyone.

With this, the Philippine government sees the need to extend the benefits of electricity to the marginalized sectors, including the fisherfolks and farmers living in remote, far-flung areas and un-electrified barangays. This is actualized through the Sitio Electrification Program or SEP, under the  Department of Energy (DOE), to which Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) rightfully obliged.

Since 2018, AboitizPower subsidiary Davao Light has been extending energy services to remote communities. As of December 13, 2021, Davao light has energized 99.02% out of around 3,868 target sitios within its franchise areas covering Davao City, Panabo City, and the Municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.

One of the beneficiaries of the said program is Paquibato District, which used to be known as a place with several insurgency incidents. The electrification project helped a lot in maintaining peace and order in the area and opened many opportunities to the residents.

Brgy. Kapitan Alfredo Balansag of Brgy. Paradise Embak said that along with the installation of lights comes the improved peace and order and 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.

Balansag also mentioned that many development projects followed the energization of their community, like the installation of telecommunications towers and the construction of school buildings and roads.

Residents of Purok 4-a and Purok 8 at Brgy. Paradise Embak was grateful to have their area included in the program and now fully enjoy the benefits of electricity. The barangay officers’ only warning to the people is to take care of it, not only for themselves but also for the 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. Kagawad Romeldo Baruado said.

To further promote safety, Davao Light personnel have also oriented barangay officials and purok leaders - which was later disseminated to the area - about electrical safety and conservation tips, including dos and don'ts to avoid fire accidents.

Davao Light strives to power up all target sitios within its franchise area by 2023. AboitizPower continues to deliver quality service to all its customers and stays committed to its promise to advance both business and communities through the SEP.