The Ati community at the relocation site in Barangay Lanit, Jaro in Iloilo City is more empowered after getting their own electricity connections courtesy of MORE Power’s i-Konek program.
The Atis of Lanit before found it hard and expensive to apply for their own power connections as their only means of livelihood are vending vegetables and herbal medicines.
But tribe leader and community pastor Rogelio Elosendo lobbied with MORE Power to help the community in processing their line applications.
The Ati community managed to come up with funds for their bill deposits and in February, MORE Power installed electricity meters in 24 households.
A tearful Pastro Elosendo thanked the distribution utility for helping them bring power and light to the community. With the installation of legitimate connections, the houses of his fellow Atis are protected from fires and other hazards caused by illegal connections.
Elosendo said it was a long time coming before the households could get their own connections. They can now enjoy simple amenities like electric fans to keep them cool.
With MORE Power reaching out to the community, the Atis were given importance and priority in the community.
“So daku gid ang nabulig sang MORE. Salamat gid sa inyu sang daku kay pinaagi sa inyu pagpanikasog, waay na kami nagkadto didto. Waay na nalisdan ang mga atis, kay kamu na ang nagkadto diri para ma-proseso ang papeles sang mga ati para nga mapadali nga maaprubahan ang pagpatakud sang kuryente diri kag nagakalipay gid kami sang daku bangud sina,” Elosendo said.
The Atis already received their first bills and they only paid minimal amounts because of their low consumption, which qualifies them as lifeline consumers.
Ferminia Valencia recalled that they had to stay outside of their houses (which they described as like caves for being dark and hot) to relax because their houses were like ovens due to lack of stable electricity connection.
But with the help of MORE Power, they now have their own electric fans and lights
“Baw maayu gid kay sang una ang balay namon nga wala suga daw kuweba sa kagin-ot, diri kami gabalatang kis-a sa karsada kun mahangin kay pwerti gid ka gin-ot. Pero subong kay may kuryente na baw gapasalamat gid kami sang daku kay masanag na mabugnaw pa.”
