Gov't energizes 2 conflict-hit IP villages in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 25, 2023): Gov't energizes 2 conflict-hit IP villages in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

ENERGIZED. Surigao del Sur (1st District) Rep. Romeo Momo (standing, 5th from left) and Mayor Michael Corilla (6th from left) lead the energization of Barangays Bagyang and Calatngan in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur (Aug. 24, 2023). The energization of the two Indigenous People villages is undertaken under the Barangay Electrification Program of the National Electrification Administration. (Contributed photo)

BUTUAN CITY – Two remote and conflict-affected Indigenous People (IP) communities in the Surigao del Sur town of San Miguel were connected to electricity on Thursday through the Barangay Electrification Program of the National Electrification Administration.

Datu Rico Maca, the IP Municipal Representative of San Miguel, said more than 400 IP families from Barangays Bagyang and Calatngan will directly benefit from the program.

“With the electrification, we are looking for more opportunities given to these two villages which are inhabited by the Manobo tribe of Surigao del Sur,” Maca said in a phone interview on Friday.

Maca said the electrification program for the two villages started in November last year and was completed in the first week of the month.

In a separate interview on Friday, Datu Canubas Matanog, the tribal chieftain of Barangay Bagyang thanked the government for bringing the electrification program to their area despite its distance from the town center.

“Now our children will no longer experience difficulties in studying their lessons especially at night because electricity is already here,” Matanog said.

He added that farm facilities, especially rice and corn mills, can now operate in their barangay.

Datu Charlie Maca of Barangay Calatngan said electrification will also help small businesses in their village to grow and provide other opportunities for IP residents.

“There are a lot of opportunities for us now that the whole IP village is energized. We are so thankful to the government for the continued support given to the IP villages in San Miguel and the rest of Surigao del Sur,” Maca said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208539