The University of the Philippines (UP), the Philippine Satellite Agency (PhilSA), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) have joined forces in achieving full electrification in the Philippines by 2028. On 18 January 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were signed at the NEA H.E.S. Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City, marking a significant step towards achieving 100% electrification by 2028.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda opened the ceremony by emphasizing the ambitious yet achievable goal of nationwide electrification. He highlighted the agency’s collaboration with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) to leverage satellite based technology for identifying unserved and underserved areas households to NEA’s accelerated electrification plan. This data-driven approach promises a more efficient and targeted electrification plan, ensuring no Filipino community is left in the dark.
UP President, Atty. Angelo Jimenez, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to public service and engagement with government initiatives. He underscored UP’s mission as the national university to lead in research and contribute to national development. This partnership with NEA represents a tangible manifestation of that commitment.
The MOU outlines a collaborative effort to create a Geographic Information System (GIS) database and a rural electrification planning and monitoring system. Utilizing satellite data, this system will provide precise and up-to-date information on electrification needs across the country, guiding NEA’s targeted interventions.
The MOA, on the other hand, establishes a framework for joint research, training programs, and technical advisory services. Through UP’s National Engineering Center (UP NEC) and the NEA-EC Training Institute (NETI), EC engineers and employees will gain the necessary skills and knowledge to improve performance and deliver reliable electricity distribution services to rural communities.
The ceremony was graced by prominent leaders from both the government and academic sectors, including Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretaries Sharon Garin and Rowena Cristina Guevara, DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan, PhilSA Director General Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., PhilSA Director Ariel C. Blanco, UP Executive Vice President Jose Fernando T. Alcantara, UP Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Jerwin Agpaoa, and UP College of Engineering Dean and UP NEC Executive Director, Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling. Their presence signifies the collective effort and shared vision for a brighter future powered by accessible and reliable electricity.
This partnership between UP, PhilSA, and NEA represents a crucial step towards achieving 100% electrification by 2028: ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all Filipino people.