Pangasinan: Qualified member-consumers of the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (Cenpelco) who are beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) consuming below 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in electricity will enjoy a full discount under the Lifeline Subsidy Program. In a phone interview Tuesday, Cenpelco General Manager Rodrigo Corpuz stated that there are around 2,000 beneficiaries registered in the program within their jurisdiction. These beneficiaries will be eligible for the full subsidy as long as their electricity consumption does not exceed the 50 kWh threshold starting from April this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Corpuz emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the program, noting that many eligible recipients are still unaware of the benefits they can receive. The lifeline rate is a subsidy aimed at assisting low-income households and marginalized end-users who struggle to pay their electricity bills in full. This is in line with Section 73 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
Republic Act 11552, also known as the Expanded Lifeline Rate Law, has reinforced this social protection mechanism by clearly identifying qualified beneficiaries, including households covered by the 4Ps. Corpuz explained that while registration under the program is automatic, the actual grant of the subsidy is contingent upon meeting the monthly electricity consumption threshold set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
In a separate interview, Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino expressed that the program significantly aids the underprivileged. He emphasized the government's role in ensuring equitable access to services, highlighting that those with the least resources should receive the most benefits. This initiative aligns with the government's mandate to act as a great equalizer in providing social opportunities.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives, the DSWD intends to continue linking 4Ps beneficiaries to programs and services offered by other government agencies or private institutions. This effort aims to prevent beneficiaries from slipping back into poverty.
