A remote elementary school in Sitio Tagpangi, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte now has access to electricity for the first time, thanks to the rollout of a solar power system under the Marcos administration’s “Last Mile Schools” electrification program.

The energization of Datu Saldong Domino Elementary School was formally held on June 19, 2025, led by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). The initiative forms part of a PHP1.295-billion government program designed to bring power to remote, off-grid learning institutions and their surrounding communities.

“This is the first solar power system installation under this initiative—a vital step that will empower students to learn and equip teachers to broaden their teaching methods,” said NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, speaking in Filipino during the event.

The project was made possible through a memorandum of agreement signed between Administrator Almeda and DepEd Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara on February 5, 2025. DepEd provided funding through its 2025 budget, while NEA carried out on-site implementation in coordination with the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO).

NEA and ANECO inspected the site on February 22 to confirm its eligibility. In addition to serving the school, the newly installed solar energy system is expected to benefit nearby households in Sitio Tagpangi.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who joined the ceremony virtually, welcomed the development and noted that NEA plans to implement 295 more projects under the “Last Mile School” electrification program this year. The President previously directed education and energy agencies to prioritize areas still lacking access to basic electricity and internet services.

“I believe that education is the key to progress, which is why NEA fully supports the electrification of schools and households,” Administrator Almeda said.

The “Last Mile Schools” program is part of a broader push to bridge educational inequalities in geographically isolated areas, especially those where students have struggled for years without electricity.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.