Lives Changed by Negros Power Sitio Electrification Program
Can you imagine living your entire life without electricity? No lights at night, no fans during hot afternoons, no way to charge your phone, or even keep your food cold. That was the everyday reality for thousands of families living in remote sitios across Central Negros. But not anymore. Thanks to the ongoing Negros Power Sitio Electrification Program, 1,671 households in these once-forgotten communities now have access to electricity — something many of us take for granted. Still, for them, it’s nothing short of life-changing.
Turning the Lights On After Decades of Waiting
Many of these remote areas in Bacolod City, Silay, Talisay, Bago, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto sat in darkness for decades. Candles and gas lamps were the norm. Children studied under dim light. Charging a phone meant walking for miles. It wasn’t just inconvenient — it was unsafe, tiring, and, honestly, unfair.
But all that started to change in December 2024, when Negros Power began energizing underserved sitios through its ₱26-million Sitio Electrification Program. Fast forward to today, and 17 sitios have already been energized, bringing electricity, hope, and dignity to places that had long been overlooked.
Real People, Real Impact
Let’s talk about Judith Arsenal, a mom of three from Hacienda Embang Mesa in Barangay Bagtic, Silay City. She said they used to worry constantly about the fire hazards from gas lamps. Her children would struggle to study at night, squinting in the dark.
Now? One flip of a light switch has changed everything.
“It’s a small thing for others, but for us, it’s life-changing,” Judith said, her voice filled with emotion.
Another resident, Cecilia Yeban, shared how their lives were limited without electricity. They had to walk long distances to charge phones or buy ice. Today, they feel safer and more connected — not just to nearby communities but the rest of the world.
It’s About More Than Just Lights
Negros Power isn’t just installing wires and meters. According to their President and CEO, Roel Castro, this is about restoring dignity, improving safety, and ensuring no family is left behind.
“We are not just distributing electricity. We’re distributing opportunity, hope, and progress,” he said.
Think about it — with power flowing into these sitios, families can start small businesses, students can study better, and health centers can operate more effectively. Even something as basic as accessing news or watching educational videos becomes possible.
Progress You Can Feel
The electrification of these areas is more than just a technical achievement. It’s a sign that things are finally moving forward for Central Negros.
Negros Power was granted a 25-year franchise in 2024, and in just a short time, they’ve already made a significant impact. Their efforts reflect a commitment to inclusive development, ensuring every home — no matter how remote — gets a fair shot at progress.
This program proves that incredible things can happen when a company truly focuses on its consumers and the communities it serves.
Lighting Up the Future
As night falls over these once-dark sitios, something magical happens. Lights glow warmly from newly powered homes. There’s the quiet hum of fans, the sound of a radio playing in the background, maybe even a TV show keeping the kids entertained.
These everyday sounds and sights — things many of us are used to — are new and exciting for the 1,671 families who now experience them for the first time.
It’s a brand-new chapter—one that’s filled with light, comfort, and a strong sense of hope.
Why This Matters
Suppose you’ve ever lived without electricity, even during a blackout. You know how frustrating it can be. Now imagine that being your daily life. For these families, getting electricity isn’t just about convenience — it’s about catching up with the rest of the world.
This project shows us what real change looks like. It’s local and personal and has a ripple effect, transforming entire communities.
So, the next time you switch on your lights, charge your phone or enjoy the breeze from your fan, think of the families in Central Negros. After decades of waiting, they finally get to experience those simple joys, too — and it’s all thanks to a program that believes progress should reach everyone, not just the ones who live close to the city center.
Lighting the Way Forward
Negros Power’s Sitio Electrification Program isn’t just a technical upgrade. It’s a movement toward equality, comfort, and connection. And while 1,671 homes have already been lit up, this is just the beginning.
Because in every home that now glows with light, there’s a family finally catching up with the rest of the world — one switch at a time.