The National Electrification Administration (NEA) celebrated its 55th founding anniversary on 29 August 2024 with an off-site switch-on ceremony for its 16 millionth consumer connection at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
Household owner Lyn-Ay Sabado received the benefits of electricity through the NEA Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) implemented by the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ORMECO) in Barangay Benli, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda led the ceremony with keynote speaker Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla as well as honored guests Senator Pia Cayetano and Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor.
“If I had to choose one word which aptly encompasses NEA’s year so far, it would be resilience,” Administrator Almeda said in his remarks, noting the propensity of the agency to overcome past and present challenges in the rural electrification sector.
“The NEA of today prides itself as having evolved as an agency, which serves as a hub of our nation’s various policies and actions not only towards rural electrification, but energy resiliency as well,” he added.
The event coincided with the 15th National Electrification Awareness Month (NEAM), the annual recognition of the government's contributions to the rural electrification program towards economic development, especially in the countryside.
NEA and the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) also held their annual convention. The 2024 NEA-EC Convergence featured a series of rural electrification forums running under the theme “ECs, Keep the Lights On.”
Guest speakers included Commissioner Alexis Lumbatan of the Energy Regulatory Commission, broadcast journalist and businessman Anthony Taberna, and Gilas Pilipinas head coach Earl Timothy ‘Tim’ Cone.
Administrator Almeda also swore in the newly elected national officers of the Philippine Association of Board of Directors of Rural Electric Cooperatives (PHABDREC) led by its president Victoria Aliviado, board president of the Toledo City-based Cebu III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEBECO 3).
NEA and the Electric Cooperatives wrapped up with a fellowship night.
PHILRECA convenes its 45th Annual General Membership Meeting on Friday (30 August 2024) at the same venue to discuss strategic plans of action to help the NEA achieve its total electrification goals.
NEA culminates its month-long anniversary celebration this Saturday (31 August 2024) with the 2024 Lumens Awards, which recognize outstanding ECs and rural electrification workers for their exemplary service to their member-consumer-owners over the past year.
This year’s anniversary activities reaffirm NEA's dedication to improving the lives of Filipinos through reliable and sustainable energy. The agency’s efforts continue to play a vital role in the nation's development, empowering communities and driving progress across the Philippines.###
