In a move for inclusive development, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has partnered with the City Government of Silay to provide legal and safe electricity connections to over 5,000 informal settlers. This initiative aims to improve living conditions, promote public safety, and ensure equitable access to electricity in underserved communities.
Prioritizing Safety for Informal Settlers in Silay City
For years, many informal settlers in Silay City have relied on unsafe, illegal power connections—posing risks of fires, electrocution, and unstable power supply. This new program seeks to replace those hazardous setups with legal, metered connections, creating safer neighborhoods for thousands of families.
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on April 4, 2025, in a ceremony attended by Mayor Joedith C. Gallego, Councilor Mike Maravilla, and other city officials. Negros Power was represented by its President and CEO Roel Z. Castro and key members of its management team.
A Step Toward Dignity and Development
Mayor Gallego emphasized the significance of the project:
“Legal electrification is a basic right and a vital foundation for further development in these communities.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Castro highlighted that this is about more than just electricity:
“It’s about enabling dreams, improving safety, and unlocking economic and educational opportunities for thousands of families.”
Who Qualifies as an Informal Settler?
In this context, informal settlers are individuals or families residing on land they do not legally own but occupy with the tolerance of public or private landowners. Despite their informal status, they have the right to access basic utilities like electricity—especially when living in communities that have existed for many years.
Key MOA Provisions: Roles and Responsibilities
Negros Power’s Responsibilities:
- Identify and validate qualified informal settlers
- Submit a verified list to the City Government through the City Engineer’s Office or Office of the Building Official
Requirements from Applicants: To qualify for legal electric service, informal settlers must provide:
- A government-issued ID
- A photo of the applicant standing in front of their home
- Barangay Certificate of Residency
- Affidavit of Undertaking for Informal Settlers
- Temporary Electrical Permit
- Proof of security deposit payment
City Government of Silay’s Role:
- Assist in issuing and validating required documents
- Ensure processing of documents within 5 days of request
- Conduct regular inspections with Negros Power to ensure continued compliance
- Possibly issue an Executive Order to streamline permit processing
Powering Change in Silay City
Located in Negros Occidental, Silay City has long struggled with fire hazards due to unsafe electrical connections. With this joint effort, thousands of informal settlers will finally be able to enjoy the benefits of a legal electricity connection, giving them access to other government programs tied to utilities and formal residency.
This program is made possible through Republic Act No. 12011, which gives Negros Power the authority to operate the power distribution system in Silay and neighboring areas.
A Brighter, Safer Future for Silaynons
This joint initiative between Negros Power and the City Government of Silay is a strong step toward inclusive development. By providing safe, legal electricity to informal settlers, the city moves closer to a future where every household—regardless of legal land ownership—can live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
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