NEA energizes remote Pampanga barangays

Remote barangays in six Pampanga towns are the latest beneficiaries of the government's revitalized energization program being implemented by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) through 119 electric cooperatives nationwide.

NEA Administrator Conrado Estrella III the other day released subsidy checks to the Pampanga Electric Cooperative (PELCO I) in simple ceremonies at its headquarters in Mexico town to shore up its existing lines and extend its services to other areas not yet energized.

Rep. Oscar Rodriguez (3rd district), the mayors of Mexico, Magalang, Sta. Ana and San Luis; sangguniang bayan members, barangay captains and councilmen, coop officials employees and consumer-members witnessed the turnover of the funds.

Rodriguez, the mayors and other speakers thanked President Estrada for "his genuine concern in alleviating the plight of the masses through the provision of such vital needs as electricity" and lauded Estrella for being the "catalyst of the rural electrification program."

On the other hand, Estrella said that he is personally delivering the checks in keeping with his policy to make the NEA "participative, transparent and accountable to its clientele" and in line with the Estrada administration's trademark of bringing the government closer to the people.

He cited the importance of electricity not only as "an indispensable tool for economic development but also the driving force of information technology, science and technology, research and development and human resource development "which are crucial elements in global competition."

At the same time, Estrella urged the management of the electric cooperative work harder at reducing its systems losses to be able to lower its rates."