Lighting the villages, especially in the remote areas of Davao del Sur, was just a dream for the residents before. Lack of electric power supply, under-developed road network, slow development in the area, and insurgency infestations are just some of the many concerns of the residents, which they thought they had to just live with. However, with the rural electrification program of the government, people’s dreams were realized.

It has been the vision of the government to realize electrification in the countryside since 1969, when the National Electrification Administration (NEA) was created, in order to spur development in rural areas.

With the clearing of the countryside once infested by Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in Davao del Sur, road construction and electrification have eventually reached the farthest barangays in Matanao town, particularly in Barangays Asbang and Colonsabac.

She added that many were encouraged by the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative to make use of solar energy in the lighting system.

She recalled that in 2022, members of the Blaan tribe were trained to use solar energy for their lighting system;, however, now that pole-to-pole electricity has been established, the Blaan tribe will have the choice of what power source to use.

“For now, only the tourism building in Barangay Asbang is connected to the pole while the houses of the Blaan tribe are currently wiring their household connections,” Sabornido said.

Renato Epa, sitio leader of Barangay Asbang, said they are used to living with the light from the stars, the moon, and the gas lamp lighting their way at night.

He said that in 2022, the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative introduced to them the use of solar energy, where they used a piece of equipment as a charger for their cellular phones and one solar light.

“It enhances our vision, but the equipment costs a lot,at P200 per month,” Epa said.

Tribal leader Mary Ann Catiawan of Barangay Colonsabac welcomed the electrification program of the Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative because of the many opportunities it offers, like increased educational possibilities as students and pupils are able to study during the night, fewer unhealthy kerosene lamps to guarantee improved health conditions, and increased basic comfort.

She said it also offers livelihood activities like a phone-charging business, selling cooled products, grinding and milling coffee beans to create a value-added product.

“We will consider the cost of electricity to the advantages it may bring to us,” Catiawan said.

The Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative introduced the Indigenous Peoples Energization Plan in 2022.

Louie De la Victoria, information officer of the Office of the General Manager of the DASURECO, said mountainous communities in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental were encouraged to use solar energy through the Solar Home System Photovoltaic Mainstreaming Project.

He said that the project, a 50-watt solar home system, is designed to provide house lighting only.

De La Victoria said the project is made to enforce the Department of Energy’s Total Electrification Program by utilizing solar energy in residences located in off-grid areas.

“The core purpose of the project is to provide light to the household using solar energy,” he said.

Herbert Babailon, consumer service representative of DASURECO, said that residents in Barangays Colonsabac and Asbang can load either P100 or P200 in order for the solar panel to function, consequently lighting four electrical bulbs per household.

“You just have to have a card loaded through the barangay office either 15 days, one to two months, depending on their capability to pay in order for the solar panel to function, and to ensure illumination, depending on the load,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabornido affirmed that the electrification of Barangays Colonsabac and Asbang is guaranteed to be completed before the year ends.,

She said that for now, the residents in the area have the choice of using solar energy, hydroelectric or coal-fired power sources. (JSGD/PIA Davao del Sur)