For generations, the residents of Barangay Sibulao in Zamboanga City have endured nights shrouded in darkness, relying on flickering gas lamps to light their homes and guide their children's studies. This long-standing reality has now been transformed through a landmark electrification initiative that promises to reshape daily life in this remote community.
A Historic Switch-On Ceremony Marks New Beginnings
On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco), in collaboration with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), successfully energized Sibulao Village, located approximately 60 kilometers from the city proper. The emotional switch-on ceremony was attended by key officials, including NEA representatives Engineers Arvin Garduque and Leonel Ilagan, Zamcelco Board of Directors led by President Jeffrey Russ Taripe, barangay leaders, cooperative personnel, and the 201 beneficiary families.
As the lights illuminated the village for the first time, cheers and tears filled the air, symbolizing the end of an era defined by early nights and limited opportunities. The project, funded with P16 million under the government's Rural Electrification Program, covered essential house wiring materials, ensuring that even the most isolated households could access this vital service.
Life-Changing Impact on Residents
The electrification of Sibulao Village has brought immediate and profound changes to its residents. For 72-year-old Antonia Acejas, who has lived in the area since 1972, the arrival of electricity marks a dramatic shift after over five decades of relying on a gas-powered 'lampara' for illumination. With emotion, she shared, "Ahora, mas comfortable ya kame y hinde ya tiene miedo na oscuru (Now we are more comfortable and no longer afraid of the dark)."
Another long-time resident, Felicitas Dela Cruz, who has called Sibulao home for more than 40 years, highlighted the economic benefits of electrification. She now plans to sell iced water and soft drinks, creating new livelihood opportunities to augment her family's income. This development underscores how access to electricity can catalyze small-scale entrepreneurship and improve financial stability in rural communities.
Comprehensive Coverage Across Sitios
The electrification project extended its reach to multiple sitios within Sibulao Village, including:
- Sitio Patgoma
- Sitio Pucutin
- Sitio Patmiangun
- Sitio Rio Grande
- Sitio Buug Mundo
- Sitio Bacolod
These areas, once left in perpetual darkness, now glow with promise and potential, reflecting a broader commitment to inclusive development. The initiative aligns with the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goal of achieving 100 percent household electrification, ensuring that no Filipino community is left behind in the nation's progress.
Gratitude and Future Prospects
During the ceremony, Zamcelco President Jeffrey Russ Taripe expressed heartfelt gratitude to NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda for providing free house wiring materials and essential services. Barangay officials also conveyed deep appreciation to both NEA and Zamcelco for their persistent efforts in bringing electricity to Sibulao after years of anticipation.
This achievement not only brightens homes but also illuminates dreams, livelihoods, and a brighter future for every family now connected to the grid. As the lights of Barangay Sibulao shine steadily, they serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of public-private partnerships in advancing rural electrification across the Philippines.
