THE DEPARTMENT of Energy has expressed strong support for a new initiative aimed at electrifying approximately 1,500 remote public schools across the country.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla highlighted the importance of ensuring no school, student, or community is left behind during the signing ceremony of the memorandum of agreement between the Department of Education and the National Electrification Administration.

“The signing of this agreement is a testament to our shared commitment to illuminate every classroom, empower every teacher, and unlock the full potential of every learner,” Lotilla stated during the launch of the School Electrification Program at the NEA Building in Diliman, Quezon City.

The initiative, led by DepEd and supported by NEA, aims to provide students in underserved areas with access to both education and electricity, regardless of their location. Lotilla also emphasized the project’s alignment with the government’s broader goal of achieving full household electrification by 2028.

However, he noted that the current annual budget of P2-3 billion is significantly lower than the estimated P85-100 billion needed to meet this target.

Despite the financial gap, Lotilla highlighted the program’s long-term economic benefits, projecting a P500 billion return on investment in total electrification. With continued support from stakeholders, he expressed confidence in achieving a future where every Filipino school and community has access to reliable electricity, ensuring equal opportunities for education and progress.