Students and teachers are rejoicing because their dark days are over. Davao Light, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power, connected nine sitios of Barangay Lumiad to the power grid, energizing the residents’ homes and schools.
The project was accomplished through the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), a national government program that seeks to connect 399 sitios in Mindanao, along with those in Luzon and in Visayas to electricity grids in a bid to energize the entire country.
Students now have light to see with and the ability to use technology to enhance their learning.
For example, they now have electricity to watch educational videos, write and print reports, and access the internet. Teachers can now hold classes in classrooms because there is electricity available to power much-needed electric fans.
Benefits of electrification of rural areas
Multiple benefits are seen in providing electricity to rural areas. According to the World Bank, in a paper titled Rural Electrification and Poverty Reduction: An Impact Evaluation (Approach Paper), electrification of rural areas gives the following benefits:
- Increasing income
- Contributing to better health
- Supporting education
- Improving women’s quality of life
- Reducing environmental harm
When students who want to study are given the means to do so, they are given resources to improve their lives and the lives of their communities. Thanks to Davao Light and the Sitio Electrification Program, the students of Barangay Lumiad in Davao City can look forward to brighter days.
