The National Electrification Administration (NEA) is directing the largest share of its P3.6-billion rural electrification budget this year to Mindanao to bring electricity to more Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.

Based on data from NEA’s Total Electrification and Renewable Energy Development Department released on Friday, Mindanao will receive P2.5 billion, or 68 percent of the total funding.

The allocation will support electrification projects in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Sur, North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur and Sulu.

Programs are also lined up for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, specifically in Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao del Norte and Sur, and Lanao del Sur.

Luzon has been allotted P701.2 million, or 19 percent, for projects in Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya, Kalinga, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and Palawan.

The Visayas region, on the other hand, will receive P462.6 million, or 13 percent, to improve electricity access in Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, and Eastern and Northern Samar.

Sharp increase

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda pointed out that the P3.6 billion from the Department of Budget and Management is a sharp increase from the P1.6 billion to P1.8 billion received in previous years.

Almeda said the funding also helps keep NEA on track to hit total electrification by 2028.

The state-owned agency is pursuing a three-pronged strategy through its Sitio Electrification Program, Barangay Line Enhancement Program, and the Solar Photovoltaic Mainstreaming Program.

It targets to distribute about 50,000 to 60,000 solar home systems in far-flung communities. Through its partnership with 121 electric cooperatives nationwide, the NEA has so far rolled out 26,292 units.