BUTUAN CITY (PIA) – A total of 230 indigenous peoples (IPs) households at Sitio Minsalaming, interim Barangay Bokbokon in the municipality of Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte benefited from the National Electrification Administration’s Sitio Electrification Program (SEP).
Sitio Minsalaming, the home of the Higaonon tribe, is a far-flung barangay that was formerly infested with communist rebels.
The Sitio Electrification Program of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) aims to energize sitios and puroks that are distant from the center of the barangay.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante of the province of Agusan del Norte personally witnessed the ceremonial switch-on at Sitio Minsalaming, Barangay Bokbokon, Las Nieves. She appealed to the tribal community to sustain the peace and order of the place so development will not be hampered. Photo courtesy of PLGU - Agusan del Norte.
Tribal chieftain Datu Ronald L. Manhumosay expressed the tribe’s gratitude for the development in his place, including the long-time dream of having electricity in every household.
“Finally, after the dark and chaotic experiences that we had at the hands of the guerilla terrorists, we now have seen the light. Thank you to the government for the free electric installation that brought light into every home," said Manhumosay during the ceremonial switch-on.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante of the province of Agusan del Norte emphasized to the beneficiaries of the program that the government gives priority to far-flung barangays, saying, “You have seen how the government is sincere to you by ensuring that services would reach this part of the province despite the very far location of your sitio. Rest assured that you are part of and included in the development plan of the government.”
“Dapat dili magpadaug sa walhong grupo ug di magpadala sa ilang mga pulong batok sa gobyerno, ok unta kung nakaabot ang atong mga suga gumikan sa atong pakipaggiyera sa atong gobyerno pero niabot ning tanan, kadtong atong nakuha ang kalinaw sa atong lugar, so ang susi gyud ang pag-kooperar, paghiusa gyud sa gobyerno, atong ampingan og insakto, palanggaon gyud ang atong lugar kay walay lain mopangga kung dili kita mismo taga diri ," the governor said.
[We should not let the leftist group win, do not listen to their words against the government. It would be okay if your houses got electricity by fighting against our government, but electrification only arrived when we decided to choose and achieve peace in our area. So the key is really cooperation and unity with the government. We should sustain it correctly and love our place because no one else will love this more than we do]
The IP members of Sitio Minsalaming in Barangay Bokbokon, Las Nieves were full of happiness and appreciation to the government that finally their houses will have electricity. For a very long time, Sitio Minsalaming was very dark and chaotic at the hands of the guerilla terrorists. Photo courtesy of PLGU - Agusan del Norte.
Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda of NEA relayed that the SEP is a priority program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., targeting to energize the entire country by 2028.
“We are giving attention to Mindanao because it has only 89 percent electrification rate, and I am also thankful to Governor Amante and Congressional District of Las Nieves and Butuan City Representative Jose Aquino II for always visiting me and the constant follow-up for implementation of the project in your area,” Almeda added.
Almeda assured that, with the help of ANECO, Inc., IP communities will no longer be dark and more far-flung areas in the province will be reached by the electrification program of the government.
In Agusan del Norte, SEP is being implemented by the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO), a non-stock, non-profit, service-oriented electric cooperative responsible for the distribution of power to households, business establishments, and industries in the province.
The ceremony was witnessed by Las Nieves Mayor Karen S. Rosales, ANECO, Inc. General Manager Darwin T. Daymiel, other provincial and municipal officials, Brigadier General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commanding officer of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, IP leaders and residents of the sitio. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)
