BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government has taken decisive steps to help nearly 80 families at Arao Relocation Site 2 in Barangay Vista Alegre gain access to legal and reliable electricity after years of living without formal power connections.
Mayor Greg Gasataya requested the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) to provide immediate assistance by installing temporary power line extensions and a distribution transformer while the Bacolod Housing Authority (BHA) completes the bidding process for the construction of permanent electrical infrastructure.
In a letter addressed to Negros Power President and Chief Executive Officer Roel Z. Castro, Gasataya underscored the urgent need to energize the relocation site and improve the living conditions of the affected families.
The mayor appealed for the installation of temporary power line extensions and a distribution transformer pending the completion of the city’s bidding procedures for the permanent electrical facilities.
Negros Power responded positively to the request and committed to supporting the city’s efforts to bring electricity to the relocation community, Gasataya said.
During a meeting with residents on June 17 at the MICES Gym in Barangay Vista Alegre, Gasataya, accompanied by City Administrator Atty. Mark Mayo, updated families on the developments and explained the requirements for obtaining legal electricity connections.
Of the approximately 80 affected households, 63 attended the meeting to discuss the application process and documentary requirements.
To ease the financial burden on residents, Gasataya announced that he would personally shoulder the P376 permit fee required by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) for each applicant. He also assured residents that the city government would provide the services of its electrical engineers free of charge, eliminating additional expenses related to securing electrical permits.
Under the arrangement, residents will only have to pay for the installation of their individual service entrances.
According to the mayor, Negros Power will begin installing temporary electrical facilities once at least 50 percent of the affected households have completed the necessary applications for legal power connections.
The city government’s intervention came after residents sought assistance from the mayor at the Bacolod City Government Center on June 16. Many admitted they had been without legal electricity since 2018 and had resorted to illegal connections, which eventually led to the disconnection of their power supply.
To facilitate the electrification project, the city government has begun profiling and validating the affected households. Officials are likewise assisting residents in securing the necessary documents from the BHA, including proof of lot allocation and ownership.
Negros Power Assistant Vice President for Planning and Business Operations Engr. Leomel Tambanillo said the utility company will design the electrical distribution system for the relocation site. However, he emphasized that residents must first comply with all documentary and permit requirements before electricity can be connected.
Tambanillo added that once residents secure the required permits and electric meters, they will qualify for permanent power connections, providing a long-term solution to a problem that has affected the community for years.
The initiative reflects the city government’s commitment to extending essential services to underserved communities and ensuring that families in relocation sites have access to safe, legal, and dependable electricity.
Gasataya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to helping residents in need.
“As the father of the city, our commitment is to do everything within our capacity to help those who need assistance. Whenever there is a problem, we will work together to find solutions,” he said.
The mayor assured residents of Arao Relocation Site 2 that their long wait for electrification is nearing an end.
“In coordination with Negros Power, we will begin installing electric poles so that electricity can gradually be supplied to the affected areas. We are committed to ensuring that every household in Arao 2 will eventually have its own permanent and legal electricity connection,” he said.
Gasataya also reiterated his commitment to shoulder permit expenses and said the City Engineer’s Office is ready to provide technical assistance to help residents comply with the remaining requirements.
“Together, we will continue working to improve the quality of life of every Bacolodnon,” he added./PN
