DepEd, NEA to bring electricity to ‘last mile’ schools

Department of Education Central office in Pasig City (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) formalized a partnership with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to bring a steady supply of electricity to isolated or “last mile schools.”

DepEd defines “last mile schools” as educational institutions in “geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.”

The collaboration with the NEA aims to serve off-grid and underserved areas, DepEd said in a statement on Thursday.

The initiative will be supported through government funding and grants with additional backing from the private sector, electric cooperatives and local government units.

“In the past, power has given us access, power has given us entertainment, and power has facilitated commerce and e-commerce,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

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“Kaya itong binibigay natin ngayon, hindi lang kuryente, hindi lang ilaw ‘yan, pag-asa ang binibigay natin sa ating mga kababayan,” Angara said.

(What we’re giving now is not just electricity, not just light. We’re giving hope to our fellow countrymen.) — with reports from Sheba Maya R. Barr, INQUIRER.net trainee