NEA energizes 19 Northern Samar sitios

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – Electricity comes to 19 far-flung communities Northern Samar bring fresh opportunities to hundreds of families whose homes are now finally energized.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) - Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (NORSAMELCO) held the ceremonial switch-on of the electrification in Barangay Macagtas, Catarman on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

Northern Samar provincial board member Lope Dorado said this initiative is a big help to these families increase their productivity and for the students to improve their performance in school.

“Electricity is a basic necessity in every household. Parents can now work even at night to increase the family income while the students can study better,” Dorado said.

He said bringing electricity to remote areas open new opportunities in education, livelihood, communication, health care delivery and economic development.

Norsamelco said the initiative is part of the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) of NEA and the Department of Energy to bring grid electricity to unserved rural communities and isolated barangays.

“Beyond illuminating homes, access to electricity creates opportunities for better education, improved livelihoods, enhanced communication, and a better quality of life. For the 470 beneficiaries, this milestone represents renewed opportunities for growth, development, and a brighter future,” Norsamelco said in a statement.

A total of 470 households from 19 sitios across nine municipalities in Northern Samar were energized under the SEP. The sitios were among the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the towns of Allen, Bobon, Lavezares, Rosario, San Isidro, Catarman, Lope de Vega, Gamay, and San Jose.

NEA has already energized a total of 9,645 sitios from 2017-2024. In 2025, NEA energized 1,752 sitios and five barangays through a P3.627 billion subsidy under the general appropriations law. From 20262028, NEA targets 9,622 unenergized targeted sitios for electrification.

The government subsidy in SEP covers the cost of infrastructure and setup, which includes concrete electric poles and distribution lines; hardware, municipal fees, and labor costs; and house drops, internal electrical wiring, and basic light fixtures for eligible low-income households.

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