Bago City — For decades, the residents of Purok Sunflower in Barangay Binubuhan here have lived in the shadows, their lives illuminated only by the flickering flames of kerosene lamps.

Electricity, a modern convenience taken for granted by many, remained a distant dream. But recently, a wave of joy and hope swept through this community as Negros Power switched on a light to shine on their lives.

The ceremonial switch-on of the Sitio Electrification Program in Purok Sunflower last Monday marked a momentous occasion, bringing electricity to nearly 90 homes in this community.

The project, which features the longest power line constructed under Negros Power’s electrification initiative, runs through 36 spans, with 60 newly installed electric poles and three transformers.

Long awaited-blessing

For 71-year-old resident Amelita Boltes, the arrival of electricity was a long-awaited blessing. “Mabudlay gid mag-gawi kung wala suga,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “Tigulang na ako, 71 anyos na pero wala gid ko kaagi nga may kuryente sa balay gani subong nalipay gid ako kay indi na delikado sa akon kapin na gid kun gab-i.” (Its difficult to move around without light. I’m old already, 71 years old and I have never had any electric power in our home; that’s why I am so happy because there’s no longer danger for me to move around my house at night.)

Purok (Barangay district) president, Jobert Quatero, echoed the sentiments of his community. “Iban di sa amon nagtaliwan nalang nga wala nagana sa ila panimalay. Dugay na ni namon nga handom nga magkakuryente, gani dako gid ang amon pasalamat sa Negros Power nga sa madugay nga panahon, may kasanag na sa amon Purok,” he said. (We have long hoped that we would one day have electric power. That’s why we are greatly grateful to Negros Power that after a long long time, light has finally come to our district).

Energizing all areas

The project is a testament to Negros Power’s commitment to energizing all areas within its franchise over the next three years.