Negros Power And Silay City Partner To Bring Legal Electricity To Informal Settlements

In a landmark initiative aimed at promoting inclusive development and public safety, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has officially entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City Government of Silay. Signed on April 4, 2025, the agreement seeks to provide safe, legal, and reliable electricity to more than 5,000 informal settler households throughout the city.

The MOA signing ceremony was held in Silay City and witnessed by local leaders, including Mayor Joedith C. Gallego and Councilor Mike Maravilla, alongside Negros Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro and key officials. This initiative marks a pivotal step toward eliminating unsafe, illegal electrical connections that have long posed fire and safety hazards in underserved communities.

“This agreement reflects our shared vision of securing a dignified and progressive future for every Silaynon,” said Mayor Gallego. “Access to legal electrification is a basic human right and a critical driver of community development.”

Under Republic Act No. 12011, Negros Power holds the franchise to operate the electric distribution system in Silay City. As such, it is mandated to ensure fair and inclusive access to electricity, even for those residing in informal settlements. These settlements are typically occupied by residents who do not legally own the land but live there with the tolerance of the landowners.

Roel Z. Castro, CEO of Negros Power, emphasized that the agreement is about more than just infrastructure. “We are not merely powering homes; we are empowering lives. Legal electricity brings safety, stability, and new opportunities for thousands of families,” he said.

Highlights of the MOA

As outlined in the agreement, Negros Power will be responsible for identifying qualified informal settler households, validating their eligibility, and collecting necessary documentation before connecting them to the power grid. These documents include:

• Valid government-issued ID
• Photograph of the applicant with their home
• Barangay Certificate of Residency
• Affidavit of Undertaking for Informal Settlers
• Temporary Electrical Permit
• Proof of Security Deposit payment

Meanwhile, the City Government of Silay will facilitate the issuance and validation of these documents through relevant offices such as the City Engineer’s Office and barangay units. The local government has committed to processing all required documentation within five days of request and conducting regular inspections with Negros Power to ensure compliance.

To streamline the procedure, Mayor Gallego may also issue an Executive Order that simplifies the issuance of Temporary Electrical Permits.

A Safer, Brighter Future for Silay

Illegal connections have been a longstanding concern in many communities due to their contribution to fire hazards and power interruptions. With this MOA, Silay City moves closer to addressing these risks through formal, regulated access to electricity.

Additionally, households that receive legal connections may now qualify for government services that require proof of residency and utility bills, further integrating them into the formal system.

This joint initiative between Negros Power and the Silay City Government exemplifies their shared dedication to social responsibility, community safety, and sustainable progress. By ensuring that even the most underserved sectors are not left behind, both parties are paving the way for a more inclusive and empowered Silay City.