More power to Capiz barangays
ROXAS CITY – More basic services are now delivered in the farthest barangays in Capiz.
Recently, 14 more sitios in the the first district, particularly in the barangays of Panitan and Pilar towns were energized by the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO), courtesy of the subsidy of 1st District Congressman Antonio del Rosario.
Of the total number of sitios energized, 12 are in the 11 barangays of Panitan while the 2 others are in the two barangays of Pilar.
Engineer Edgar Diaz, CAPELCO General Manager, disclosed that Cong. Del Rosario has subsidized a total of P4.456 million fund for the materials and labor in the rutral electrification program in the said sitios.
During the switch-on program last August 21at the Provincial Capitol, del Rosario vowed to bring more services to his constituents, particularly those living in the remote barangays in his district.
He said that people in the sitios and in the barangays have the same needs with those living in the urban areas.
Del Rosario also revealed that the far-flung areas in Pontevedra and Maayon are next to be energized.
Meanwhile, Presidential Assistant for Electrification Fr. Francisco Silva disclosed that the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has the highest rate of barangays energized in the country compared to the past three administrations,
Silva said that the current administration has energized 3.3 million barangays, compared to the 585,000 under Cory Aquino, 1.29 million under Fidel V. Ramos, and 852,000 under Joseph Estrada.
He said President Arroyo was able to improve electric cooperatives through government financial assistance programs.
The Arroyo administration has extended the biggest ever financial assistance of P5.2 billion to the electric cooperatives nationwide.
On the other hand, National Electrification Administrator Editha Bueno reported to the President that nearly 42,000 barangays in the country have already been provided with electricity.
She said, 98 percent or 41,154 barangays in the country have already been connected to the power grid. (PIA/Jemin B. Guillermo)