By: Vanessa Bugtong

The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) is pushing forward with its Sitio Electrification Program this year, aiming to bring electricity to 26 more sitios across the province, part of a long-term goal to power over 200 underserved communities.

As of 2024, BENECO reported that around 500 sitios in Benguet remain without access to electricity due to their remote locations.

The cooperative hopes to steadily bring this number down.

“This is not just about lights,” said Engr. Melchor Licoben, General Manager of BENECO. “Electricity opens up opportunities, especially for those in rural areas. It’s a key to development.”

For BENECO member-consumer Agusta Daysa, electrification also means relief for the younger generation. “At least the kids won’t have to suffer in the dark anymore,” she said.

The cooperative is working closely with various government agencies to implement these initiatives effectively.

In addition, BENECO recently secured a 25-year renewal of its franchise to distribute power in Benguet, an important milestone that promises more infrastructure projects ahead.

“With the franchise secured, we no longer have to worry about the power supply in our area,” Licoben added.

As part of its rainy season preparedness, BENECO has also enhanced its disaster response system.

Linemen and quick response teams are on standby to address potential outages caused by landslides, floods, or strong winds.

The cooperative is also revisiting one of its long-term proposals, underground cable systems, particularly in urban areas like Baguio City.

While the plan has been shelved in the past, it is now being studied again for its many benefits.

“Not only is it visually better, but underground lines are also cost-effective in the long run,” Licoben explained. “It spares us from needing to put up poles and protects the system from interruptions caused by falling trees or landslides.”

In the coming months, BENECO promises to deliver improved services to its member-consumer-owners (MCOs), ensuring that no sitio gets left behind in the push for progress.