The National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have signed an agreement to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in remote schools without reliable electricity access.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara formalized the partnership in a ceremonial signing on Wednesday, attended by Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, University of the Philippines (UP) president Angelo Jimenez, and other stakeholders.

“We are forging a partnership that holds the promise of brighter futures and opportunities for students in underserved communities. This endeavor recognizes not only your role in economic development but, perhaps more importantly, in our country’s human development as well,” Almeda said.

Shared vision

He added that the initiative represents a “shared vision and a unified effort to address one of the most vital aspects of development — ensuring that every child, regardless of how remote their location may be, has access to the transformative power of education and electricity.”

Under the agreement, DepEd will identify and prioritize schools in need of electrification, secure necessary permits from local government units, and provide logistical and financial support.

NEA, through its partner electric cooperatives, will handle the technical aspects, including the installation and monitoring of the solar PV systems, which will be developed by UP.

Lotilla said the PV system prototype is estimated to cost around P1.6 million to power two classrooms.

Notably, NEA will require electric cooperatives to waive any charges related to the maintenance and sustainability of the solar PV systems, positioning the program as a corporate social responsibility initiative.

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education, one-third of public schools without electricity are in remote and conflict-affected areas, including Cotabato, Palawan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur and Negros Oriental.