What was once a dream for remote islanders in Estancia, Iloilo is now a reality.
The Iloilo Electric Cooperative III (ILECO III), the smallest yet one of the best-performing power cooperatives in the country, has successfully energized its ₱388-million Estancia–Manlot–Calagna-an–Sicogon submarine cable project, bringing 24/7 electricity to nine barangays as of August 2025.
“This is history for us. Finally, the line is complete and we can now deliver electricity straight to every household on these islands, day and night,” said Atty. James Balsomo, ILECO III general manager.
The project, part of the Department of Energy’s Total Electrification Program (DOE-TEP), will benefit some 13,000 families, making it the largest rural electrification project in the country to date.
At least 3,175 households have already connected to the grid, while hundreds more have expressed intent to follow. To ease the cost burden, ILECO III is offering free house wiring loans, payable within 6 to 12 months.
Despite difficult terrain and underdeveloped island topography, Balsomo said ILECO III pressed forward: “Secretary Lotilla himself reminded me—quality power must reach even the farthest islands. Power is the issue in Panay, and this is our solution.”
The state-of-the-art insulated and fully protected distribution lines are designed to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring safe and reliable service for decades to come.
Balsomo underscored the importance of government support: only electric cooperatives are entitled to subsidies for high-cost, low-return areas, unlike private utilities. “If left to private utilities, they would never invest in areas where return on investment is impossible. But for us, these communities deserve light—no matter how poor,” he said.
Currently serving 32 island barangays across Iloilo’s 5th District, ILECO III is recognized as a top-performing cooperative nationwide, despite being the smallest on Panay and Negros.
Former congressman Raul Tupas backed the project in budget hearings, stressing that the government must support performing coops: “Electrification is not just infrastructure—it is hope for every family.”
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has already greenlit another major line extension project, to link Concepcion town to Tambaliza, Naburot, and San Dionisio islands. This will energize 2,126 more households before year-end.
For Balsomo, the message is clear: “Islands will only truly develop if powered by reliable electricity. This project proves that even the smallest cooperative can deliver the biggest change.” IMT
