January 8, 2023 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — Several electric cooperatives (ECs) have heeded the National Electrification Administration’s call to aid ailing ECs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
NEA said a total of 47,000 electric meters worth P47 million would be donated by some ECs in Luzon and Visayas to Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. (Lasureco) and Maguindanao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Magelco).
A total of 20,000 electric meters will be given to Lasureco, while 27,000 will be donated to Magelco.
NEA administrator Antonio Almeda lauded the ECs for their generosity in helping out Lasureco and Magelco as part of their corporate social responsibility.
The agency is mandated to carry out the total electrification of the country on an area coverage basis, with the 121 electric cooperatives as the implementing arm.
Almeda, who was appointed as NEA’s new administrator in November last year, committed to forge a harmonious relationship with the ECs in pursuit of total electrification and sustainable rural development in the country.
“Their cooperation will matter much in the performance of our functions,” he said.
Almeda has also assured stakeholders of the rural electrification sector that only the most qualified individuals would manage the ECs nationwide to make them globally competitive.
He said this would be achieved by making sure that proper and fair selection process is followed at all times.
Ensuring that only competent individuals will manage electric cooperatives in the country is part of Almeda’s commitment in driving sustainable rural development by creating and maintaining high-performing ECs.
The NEA chief has also solicited cooperation and support of the ECs and the different organizations in the electric distribution industry and various consumer groups for a more effective and efficient service to the consumer public.