The City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO) and the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) are urging 4P’s beneficiaries and low-income families in Davao City who consume less than 100 kilowatt/hour of power to apply for the Lifeline Rate subsidy program.
Pursuant of Republic Act No. 11552, the subsidy program provides a discount on electricity bills of qualified marginalized or low-income customers whose monthly electricity consumption does not exceed 100KWH.
CSWDO Welfare Program Focal Person Lynmar Podador said that those who are already in the list of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) beneficiaries are qualified for the program and can avail discounts from the DLPC. Others who are not in the 4P’s may still avail themselves of the power subsidy as long as they get certified as indigent or low-income by the CSWDO.
Fermin Edillon, Head DLPC’s Reputation Enhancement Department, said all DLPC customers whose monthly electricity consumption fall below 100KWH used to be the default beneficiaries of the program when it was implemented in September 2023. However, it was found out that not all those who consume less than 100kwh are from marginalized or low-income groups.
“Nakita man gud na daghan nakaapil na dapat dili … For example, naa kay condo na wala nimo gigamit, igo lang ka nag-invest ug wa nimo giparentahan so ang konsumo minimal kayo (We saw that there are beneficieries that do not need the subsidy … For example, if you have invested in a condo unit that you do not use and you don’t rent out then the power consumption in that property will be very minimal),” Fermin bared in an interview over the Davao City Disaster Radio on Monday.
“Nakita nila na mas nindot unta na ihatag ni siya didto sa gyud sa mga rightful beneficiaries. Kadtong sa mga nagkalisod gyud. Mao tong naay bagong guidelines, (They saw that it would be better if the subsidy goes to the rightful beneficiaries. Those who are really in need),” he added.
This is why the DLPC has partnered with the CSWDO, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure that the power subsidy will benefit those most in need.
To qualify for the Lifeline Rate subsidy program, applicants must provide a proof of billing from the DLPC, a valid ID, a duly-filled application form, and proof of being a 4P’s beneficiaries or certification from CSWDO validating the applicant’s low-income or indigent status.
Renters can also avail themselves of the subsidy as long they secure certification from the owner of their dwelling.
Around 3,000 DLPC customers have availed themselves of the subsidy this year. Some 65,000 DLPC customers can apply for the lifeline rate power subsidy.
“Amo gyud gina-awhag tanan na mag-avail ani kay sayang man gud. Gihatag man gud ni sa gobyerno. It is a program sa government na makatabang sa atong mga kaigsoonan (We are really urging everyone to avail because it would be a waste. This was given by the government. It is a program designed by the government to help the people),” Fermin said. CIO
