SILAY CITY — In a groundbreaking move toward inclusive development and public safety, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the City Government of Silay to provide safe, legal and reliable electricity to over 5,000 informal settler households.
The MOA signing took place on April 4, 2025, in Silay City and was attended by Mayor Joedith C. Gallego, Councilor Mike Maravilla and other local officials, alongside Negros Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro and other managers.
The agreement addresses the urgent need to replace hazardous, illegal connections with legitimate, metered electricity in underserved communities.
“This MOA is a testament to our shared goal of building a more secure, dignified and sustainable future for all Silaynons,” said Mayor Gallego. “Legal electrification is a basic right and a vital foundation for further development in these communities.”
Under Republic Act No. 12011, Negros Power has been granted the franchise to operate the electric distribution system, including Silay City. With this authority, the company is now tasked to ensure equitable and non-discriminatory access to electricity, especially for informal settlers — defined as those living on land they do not legally own but occupy with tolerance from public or private entities.
“This agreement is about more than just powering homes,” said Roel Z. Castro. “It’s about enabling dreams, improving safety and unlocking economic and educational opportunities for thousands of families.”
Key provisions of the MOA
Negros Power is responsible for the following:
• Identifying qualified informal settlers
• Submitting a validated list to the LGU through the City Engineer’s Office or Office of the Building Official
• Requiring the following documents before providing electric connections:
* Government-issued ID
* Photograph of the applicant standing in front of the house
* Barangay Certificate of Residency
* Affidavit of Undertaking for Informal Settlers
* Temporary Electrical Permit
* Proof of Security Deposit payment
The City Government of Silay is expected to:
• Assist in the issuance and validation of required documents
• Facilitate the processing of:
* Barangay Certificates of Residency
* Temporary Electrical Permits
* Affidavits of Undertaking
* Verification of ID and residence photographs
• Ensure that all required documents are processed within five days from the date of request.
• Conduct regular inspections in coordination with Negros Power to ensure continued compliance and qualification.
Additionally, the mayor of Silay City may issue an Executive Order to streamline the process for issuing Temporary Electrical Permits. The MOA clearly states that it will not reduce or remove any existing rights or benefits provided to informal settlers under other applicable laws.
Silay City, a third-class component city with 16 barangays, has long-faced challenges related to fire hazards and community safety due to illegal and unsafe power connections.
Through this collaboration, informal settlers will be formally integrated into the energy grid, allowing them to access government programs linked to legal utility connections and residency documentation.
This joint initiative marks a sustained commitment from both Negros Power and the Silay City Government to promote energy safety, equitable service and inclusive growth across the city.