The National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) officially entered into a partnership Wednesday, 05 February 2025, to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in far-off schools that remain without reliable access to electricity.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara in the presence of [Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla], University of the Philippines (UP) President Angelo Jimenez, and other stakeholders. 

“We are forging a partnership that holds the promise of brighter futures and opportunities for students in underserved communities,” said Administrator Almeda in his remarks at the signing ceremony hosted by the NEA in Diliman, Quezon City.

“This moment reflects a shared vision and a unified effort to address one of the most vital aspects of development—ensuring that every child, regardless of how remote their location may be, has access to the transformative power of education and electricity,” he pointed out.

Under the agreement, the DepEd is tasked with identifying and prioritizing schools needing electrification; facilitating the necessary permits from concerned local government units; and providing counterpart logistical and financial support to execute the project.

Meanwhile, the NEA, through its partner electric cooperatives (ECs), will provide technical assistance in setting up the solar PV panels, monitoring its system, and conducting further evaluations to ensure the project's completion.

“This initiative paves the way for a transformative shift in rural education, enabling the integration of modern teaching methods, expanding access to online resources, and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world,” Administrator Almeda said.

On another note, the Agency shall mandate the ECs to refrain from imposing any charges, fees or cost in relation to the maintenance and sustainability of this project. This as a form of Corporate Social Responsibility and a re-affirmation of NEA and the ECs commitment to better the lives of our fellow Filipinos.

The NEA chief thanked the DepEd, the Department of Energy, the ECs and other stakeholders for supporting this program. It was a collaboration that took years to develop and was frequently discussed during recent budget deliberations. 

According to the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) of those public schools which have no access to electricity—a third are found in remote and conflict-stricken communities in Cotabato, Palawan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur and Negros Oriental.

The NEA and DepEd will jointly oversee the implementation of the program. Funding for this initiative will be drawn from various sources, including but not limited to national or local government allocations, private institution grants and partnerships, or other approved financial mechanisms.###