Electric cooperatives (ECs) across the country secured almost PHP 2 billion in fresh financing from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) in the third quarter of 2025, aligning with the government’s continued efforts to invest in power distribution upgrades and system rehabilitation.

The NEA reported that a total of 32 ECs from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao accessed PHP 1.98 billion in loans between July and September. The bulk of the funding—PHP 982.25 million—was used for capital expenditure (CapEx) projects such as facility improvements and network expansion. Another PHP 900 million was extended as working capital to help cooperatives manage operational expenses.

In Mindanao, one cooperative availed both CapEx and working capital loans, while another received PHP 100 million in calamity assistance for the repair of power lines damaged by Typhoon Odette in 2021.

According to the NEA Accounts Management and Guarantee Department (AMGD), this year’s lending activity exceeded expectations. The agency had set aside PHP 1.79 billion for its regular loan programs, but utilization already reached PHP 1.88 billion as of September 30, translating to a 104.86% disbursement rate.

The NEA said its financing programs are designed to help ECs sustain electrification services, improve distribution networks, and strengthen their ability to recover from disasters.

With loan disbursements already surpassing targets, what might this signal about the financial needs and growth momentum of electric cooperatives nationwide? Join the discussion.

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