Abra electrification of rural areas underway

Bangued, Abra ,Philippines  – Electrification is going full blast along the remote rural villages in Abra province.

Recently linking arms with Abra Gov. Eustaquio Bersamin, the Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) is now fast-tracking a mini-hydro project and the installation of electric lines in 12 villages in different far-flung areas. 

Abreco general manager Loreto Seares Jr. said the major projects which are being supported by the Abra provincial government will provide and will benefit Abreco member-consumers. 

“It is a manifestation of our cooperative’s mission of providing electricity to the whole province and look for greater opportunities in finding other alternatives to improve services.” 

If completed, Seares said, the mini-hydro project and the targets for electrification will bring electricity even to the farthest sitios in the province.

To date, at least 26 out of 27 towns have electricity. Out of 303 barangays, Abreco is providing service at least 85 percent. 

With the targets this year and the constant upgrading of their systems, Seares said, “working hand-in-hand with the provincial government will surely benefit the people of Abra. Together we will make the difference and harmony will give us strength.”

Citing successes like the construction of the line extension in Sitio Casakgudan in Barangay San Ramon East, Manabo town, since 2010, poor families being serviced are relieved of the burden of having no power vis-à-vis their agricultural activities.

Now, 60 households in Sitio Casakgudan, San Ramos East (Manabo), a scenic and unadulterated Tingguian village whose inhabitants are mostly poor farmers, enjoy electricity.

The local government of Manabo town who requested such energization, are very glad with the project’s completion, Seares said.