DOE assures Marcos Jr. can achieve electrification goals

Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s promises of lower power rates and increased electrification can be achieved during his term.

The National Electrification Administration's budget will be increased next year to accelerate the country's electrification program.

President Marcos acknowledged the challenge of energizing remote areas, noting that millions of Filipinos still lack access to power.

He highlighted the administration's progress, stating that 2.5 million households have been connected to the power grid in the last three years, down from over 5 million when the administration began.

However, Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan cited data indicating that almost 3 million households still lack electricity.

Marcos also vowed to complete 200 new power plants by 2028 to ramp up rural electrification.

Marasigan mentioned that the DOE is exploring various solutions, including the promotion of microgrid systems with private sector participation, to provide reliable and affordable energy, especially in remote areas.