Pasay city: The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has reaffirmed its commitment to energize all last-mile schools across the country within the next three years. Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda called for support of electric cooperatives (ECs) to fulfill the mandate, in the presence of Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara, during the closing ceremony of the three-day NEA-EC Convergence at SMX Convention Center here Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Almeda emphasized the necessity of energizing the 2,359 last-mile schools, urging for collective efforts to achieve this goal. He committed to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that an initial 295 schools would be energized before the end of 2025, with a further 1,900 schools to be completed by the conclusion of President Marcos’ term in 2028.

The initiative follows a memorandum of agreement signed last February between NEA and DepEd, aimed at ensuring last-mile schools in off-grid and underserved areas gain access to reliable electricity. This initiative is vital for enabling learners to build a strong educational foundation and expand their opportunities. NEA’s collaboration with the University of the Philippines is crucial, as the university provides technical expertise in designing electrification systems and programs tailored to the needs of remote, geographically isolated communities.

In a significant milestone, Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School in Sitio Tagpangi, Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, became the first school to benefit from the Last-Mile School Electrification Program. The school now enjoys solar power and internet connectivity, improving educational resources for its students.

Secretary Angara highlighted the importance of electricity in last-mile schools, asserting that it should be considered a fundamental right rather than a luxury. He called on NEA and ECs to continue collaborating with DepEd to ensure that every basic educational need is met, emphasizing the importance of access to power in modern education.

The NEA-EC Convergence, themed ‘Powering the Future,’ brought together officials and personnel from 121 ECs nationwide. The event, held in partnership with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. and other allied organizations, coincided with the celebration of NEA’s 56th founding anniversary and the 16th National Electrification Awareness Month.