By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Power has launched the PaKAPe Program, a community engagement initiative designed to foster open dialogue and collaboration with barangay officials and residents in Bacolod City.
The PaKAPe Program provides a platform to discuss community concerns, plans, and programs, strengthening cooperation and building positive relationships between Negros Power and barangays.
“We believe that open communication is key to addressing the needs of our communities,” said Engr. Bailey del Castillo, Chief Operations Officer of Negros Power. “Through the PaKAPe Program, we can work together to ensure reliable and safe electricity service for all.”
DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS FOR BETTER SERVICE
A key component of the PaKAPe Program is BReaD (Barangay Reassessment Drive), which allows local authorities and Negros Power to collect vital data on electrical demand, identify areas needing upgrades or maintenance, and ensure safety standards are met.
“This data will be invaluable in identifying areas that need upgrades or maintenance,” del Castillo explained. “It will also support the annual budgeting process by determining the funds required for electricity usage and electric service connection applications for all unmetered barangay facilities.”
BARANGAY ELECTRICIANS FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES
Recognizing the need for skilled personnel at the barangay level, Negros Power has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to launch BELT (Barangay Electrician Livelihood Training).
This program provides barangay personnel and electricians with essential knowledge and skills to prevent electrical accidents and promote safety.
“This program is crucial for ensuring the safety of our constituents,” said Barangay Captain Lady Gles Pallen of Brgy. Taculing, a BELT program participant. “With the knowledge and skills gained through this training, we can better address electrical issues in our barangay and prevent accidents.”
The BELT Program also streamlines new electrical applications to Negros Power by equipping barangay electricians with the competencies needed to assist residents.
RED ZONES
In partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Negros Power has introduced the Red Zones initiative, which targets 284 fire-prone sitios across 48 Bacolod barangays.
This initiative includes information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns to raise awareness about electrical hazards and promote safety practices.
“This initiative is vital for protecting our communities from electrical fires,” said FSupt. Jenny Mae C. Maisip of the BFP. “By working together, we can educate residents about electrical safety and reduce the risk of fire incidents.”
The Red Zones program aims to enhance community safety, reduce fire-related incidents, encourage compliance with electrical service regulations, and transition unmetered households to formal electric service connections.
