LIGHTS ON. Benguet Electric Cooperative linemen connect a household in Poblacion, Kibungan to the main power line as part of the completed sitio energization projects in Benguet this 2024. For this year, Beneco received from the National Electrification Administration PHP100 million for the sitio electrification program, which benefits at least 24 sitios with around 167 households. (Photo courtesy of Beneco)
BAGUIO CITY – Twenty-four sitios (zones) in hard-to-reach areas of Benguet province are now the focus of electrification by the Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco).
Documents sent to the Philippine News Agency on Friday showed that the National Electrification Administration (NEA) provided Beneco PHP100 million for the sitio electrification program for this year that will benefit 24 sitios, which are, however, not specifically identified.
The first tranche of the funding, amounting to about PHP49.43 million, was allocated for 15 sitios with 182 households.
The same document showed that the second tranche, which is about PHP26.36 million, was allocated for six sitios with 70 households; and the last, PHP23.14 million, will be used for three sitios with 15 households in the villages of Kayapa, Bakun, and Tacadang in Kibungan.
Beneco general manager Engr. Melchor Licoben, in a press conference on Thursday, said the sitio electrification program is a continuing project nationwide.
“Sitio electrification is a never-ending activity because as we bring electricity to far-flung communities, there are more communities that are made as a result of the increasing population,” he said.
Licoben said the program is being implemented “without looking for a return on investment.”
“The electric sales in these areas are not sufficient to recoup the investment but that is the mission of the sitio electrification program, which will continue,” he added.
For 2025, Beneco record shows that 94 sitios were inspected and the electric cooperative is proposing a budget of PHP138.4 million. (PNA)
