Communities in Changuinola receive electricity for the first time

April 24, 2025

With an investment of $3.4 million, AES Panama, in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Office (OER) of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), formally inaugurated the Rural Electrification project in the communities of Bajo Gavilán, Charco La Pava, Valle del Rey, Lazo de Santa Fé, Nance de Riscó, Soledad de Riscó, Nudóbidí, Valle Riscó, and Bajo La Esperanza, located in the districts of Almirante and Changuinola. This project improves the quality of life for more than 2,340 people, providing access to electricity in more than 500 buildings, which for the first time in history will have electricity in homes, schools, health centers, and other buildings. The project not only includes electrification through conventional power lines, but also the installation of 100 solar systems to bring electricity to homes located in more remote areas.

Fermín Abrego, representing the community, expressed his gratitude to AES Panama and the OER for carrying out this project that is completely changing their lives. Now they will be able to spend time together as a family in the evenings, small merchants will be able to refrigerate their products properly, and children will be able to continue studying after 6 p.m., watch television, and engage in other activities. Miguel Bolinaga, president of AES Panama, expressed his satisfaction and pride in the delivery of this program, which would not have been possible without the support of the OER. “Electricity not only facilitates access to education and new technologies, but also transforms the quality of life in communities. This advance represents a fundamental step toward more equitable and sustainable development, ensuring that more Panamanians can access essential resources. At AES Panama, we reaffirm our commitment to continue promoting rural electrification projects in different regions of the country,” he said.

During the handover ceremony, AES, through its Foundation and with the support of the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Agricultural Development, and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, also delivered supplies for the Community Entrepreneurship program, which has promoted more than 30 ventures in the region, benefiting many local merchants. For his part, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Development, Adonay Ortega, said that “public-private partnerships are essential to improving people's quality of life and bringing social development to the communities of Bocas del Toro.” Bolinaga gave special thanks to the Alianza por el Desarrollo de Nance de Riscó Foundation for being a key player and community liaison for the development of the Community Entrepreneurship program.

On the other hand, the AES Panama Foundation celebrated the closing ceremony of the Líder en Mí project, after three years of successful implementation in partnership with the Franklin Covey organization. This initiative, based on the 7 habits of highly effective people, represented an investment of $45,000 and has contributed to the development of leadership skills in 30 teachers, 6 administrators, and 515 students, benefiting a total of 179 families at the Nance del Riscó School. The completion of these projects reflects the AES Panama Foundation's commitment to inclusive education, youth capacity building, and access to essential services. Through strategic alliances with the government, social organizations, and the private sector, we reaffirm our willingness to continue promoting the sustainable development of communities, empowering local leaders, and promoting productive inclusion to build a more just and promising future.