Solar firm brings light, opportunities to 24 off-grid households in Agusan Norte
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Twenty-four off-grid households in Sitio Hinupolan, interim Barangay Lawan-Lawan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte are set to experience improved living conditions as a Solar Home System (SHS) initiative brings electricity to their homes, opening opportunities for learning, livelihood, communication, and household safety.
For families who have long lived beyond the reach of the conventional power grid, the assistance means more than having lights at home. It gives them opportunities to study at night, support livelihood activities, access information and communication, and improve their day-to-day living conditions.
The initiative supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing inclusive development and expanding access to basic services, particularly for geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities, consistent with the national government’s commitment to ensure that no Filipino is left behind.
The residents expressed their gratitude to the Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANECO), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, provincial government of Agusan del Norte, local government of Las Nieves through the Las Nieves Training Center (LNTC), and the 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion, Philippine Army, for extending support to their community.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante likewise supports initiatives that bring essential services and development opportunities closer to Agusanons, particularly families and communities needing assistance to improve their living conditions. The provincial government’s participation in the convergence initiative reflects its continuing support for programs that directly benefit communities across Agusan del Norte.
The project was formalized through a ceremonial memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing and turnover of financial support, bringing partner-agencies, and organizations in a convergence effort for the 24 households.
Under the partnership, ANECO is providing P150,000 through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program and Board of Directors’ Social Support Fund (SSF) for SHS materials for 20 households, complementing the support of TESDA and the LGU of Las Nieves for the 24-household initiative.
The project builds on the Community-Based Multi-Skills Training Program conducted in April 2026 in Lawan-Lawan, which benefited 134 individuals and integrated solar home system installation training with livelihood, food security, and medical outreach interventions.
Las Nieves Mayor Karen S. Rosales also conveyed her gratitude to ANECO and the convergence partners, emphasizing that the initiative brings not only electricity but also “light, hope, opportunity, and a brighter future” to families in the remote community.
The Solar Home System initiative forms part of ANECO’s Total Electrification Program and its commitment to “No One Left Behind,” providing a sustainable energy solution for communities located beyond the conventional grid.
The initiative demonstrates how convergence among government agencies, provincial and local governments, electric cooperatives, and other partners can bring essential services closer to underserved Filipinos and help ensure that geographic isolation does not become a barrier to opportunity.
For the families of Hinupolan, the support represents a meaningful step toward a brighter, safer, and more productive future, made possible through the collective commitment of partners responding to the needs of Agusanons. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)
