Negros Power and Silay City Sign Agreement for Legal Electricity Access

Negros Power and Silay City Forge Landmark Agreement to Provide Legal Electricity for Informal Settlers

 In a significant step toward inclusive growth and enhanced public safety, the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has partnered with the City Government of Silay to deliver safe, legal, and reliable electricity to over 5,000 informal settler households. This collaboration was formalized by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 4, 2025.

The signing ceremony, held in Silay City, was attended by Mayor Joedith C. Gallego, Councilor Mike Maravilla, and other local officials, alongside Negros Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro and members of the company’s leadership team. The agreement addresses the pressing need to replace hazardous illegal power connections with legitimate, metered electricity in underserved communities.

“This MOA reflects our shared vision of creating a safer, more dignified, and sustainable future for all Silaynons,” said Mayor Gallego. “Access to legal electricity is not just a basic necessity—it is a cornerstone for community development.”

Under Republic Act No. 12011, Negros Power holds the franchise to operate the electric distribution system in Silay City. This agreement empowers the company to ensure equitable access to electricity, particularly for informal settlers—individuals occupying land without legal ownership but with tolerance from public or private entities.

“This initiative goes beyond simply providing electricity,” said Negros Power CEO Roel Z. Castro. “It’s about improving lives by enhancing safety, supporting economic growth, and unlocking educational opportunities for thousands of families.”

L-R: Silay City Councilor Mike Maravilla, Mayor Joedith Gallego, Negros Power President/CEO Roel Castro and COO Engr. Bailey del Castillo

Key Provisions of the MOA 

The agreement outlines specific responsibilities for both Negros Power and the City Government of Silay:

Negros Power’s Responsibilities

• Identify eligible informal settlers.

• Submit a validated list of qualified applicants to the local government through the City Engineer’s Office or the Office of the Building Official.

• Require applicants to provide the following documents:

  • Government-issued ID

  • Photograph showing the applicant in front of their residence

  • Barangay Certificate of Residency

  • Affidavit of Undertaking for Informal Settlers

  • Temporary Electrical Permit

  • Proof of Security Deposit payment

City Government’s Responsibilities

• Assist in verifying and issuing required documents.

• Expedite processing for:

  • Barangay Certificates of Residency

  • Temporary Electrical Permits

  • Affidavits of Undertaking

  • Verification of ID and residence photographs

• Ensure all documentation is processed within five (5) days from submission.

• Conduct regular inspections with Negros Power to maintain compliance.

To streamline operations further, Mayor Gallego may issue an Executive Order simplifying the issuance process for Temporary Electrical Permits. Significantly, the MOA does not diminish any existing rights or benefits granted to informal settlers under other laws.

Addressing Longstanding Challenges [ Negros Power and Silay City Sign Agreement for Legal Electricity Access ]

Silay City, a third-class component city comprising sixteen barangays, has long grappled with fire hazards and safety concerns stemming from illegal power connections. This initiative improves safety by formally integrating informal settlers into the energy grid and enables access to government programs tied to legal utility connections and residency documentation.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment between Negros Power and Silay City to promote energy security, equitable service delivery, and inclusive development across all communities in the city.

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