Rodriguez proposes PHP10B for NEA to boost rural electrification

Congressman Rufus Rodriguez of Cagayan de Oro City proposed adding PHP10 billion to the National Electrification Administration's (NEA) budget for 2025 to support rural electrification efforts.

Rodriguez emphasized that NEA currently has only PHP2.6 billion allocated, which is significantly lower than its requested PHP23.7 billion.

He urged both chambers of Congress to increase the NEA's funding during bicameral discussions to help President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. achieve his goal of full electrification by 2028 and support economic progress in rural areas.

Rodriguez highlighted Mindanao as having the highest rate of non-electrified regions, stressing that electricity is crucial for development.

NEA officials have warned during budget hearings that without additional funding, they will not meet the president's target due to a three-year delay.

The congressman noted that providing more NEA funding would allow rural areas to economically prosper and stressed the importance of electricity in developing remote barangays.