DepEd and NEA to energize off-grid schools with solar energy
- February 10, 2025
The Department of Education (DepEd) recently partnered with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to electrify off-grid schools with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Under the memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara and NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, the DepEd will identify and prioritize which schools need electrification, facilitate acquiring the necessary permits from local government units, and provide logistic and financial support. Through its partner electric cooperatives (ECs), the NEA will provide technical support to install and monitor the operation of the solar power systems.
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Lighting the way to a brighter future
“We are forging a partnership that holds the promise of brighter futures and opportunities for students in underserved communities,” Almeda said in his remarks.
“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,” the NEA chief added.
According to Almeda, the cost of setting up the solar PV panels and batteries is estimated at P1.6 million covering two classrooms. In a press release, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) said that the DepEd has around P1.29 billion in funds for the electrification project.
(Also read: Angeles City, Pampanga Adopts Solar Energy)
According to a report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), around 1,500 public schools in the Philippines have no access to electricity. Of these schools, one-third are located in remote and conflict-stricken communities in Cotabato, Negros Oriental, Palawan, Sulu, and Zamboanga del Sur.
Witnessing the MOA signing, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rafael Popo Lotilla said this interagency partnership between DepEd and the NEA will benefit 1.6 million students.
“The signing of this agreement is the very demonstration of our shared resolve to illuminate every classroom, help every teacher, and unlock the full potential of our learners,” Lotilla said.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243443
