Gatchalian Urges NEA to Complete Rural Electrification by 2028

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Saturday urged the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to complete the rural electrification program by 2028, noting that Filipinos should have access to electricity in this digital age. Gatchalian shared that nearly three million Filipino households still lack access to electricity as of June 2026. The senator emphasized that universal access to electricity is a fundamental requirement for national progress and development, especially in the current digital era where power is essential for education, communication, and economic activities. Gatchalian called on the NEA to expedite its efforts and ensure the timely completion of the program, which aims to bring electricity to all unserved and underserved areas in the country. "We must ensure that every Filipino household is connected to the power grid by 2028," Gatchalian said, stressing the importance of electricity for improving the quality of life and creating opportunities for rural communities. The NEA has been implementing various projects to expand the electricity infrastructure in rural areas, but the senator noted that there is still a significant gap to be filled. Gatchalian expressed his confidence that with focused efforts and adequate resources, the NEA can achieve the goal of electrifying all rural households by the set deadline, thereby contributing to the country's overall development and inclusive growth.