Last 9 June 2022, a meeting was held at the National Electrification Administration (NEA) regarding the outstanding balance of Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MAGELCO) to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

Governor Suharto “Teng” T. Mangudadatu, Administrative Officer Juniza Magana and some staff members attended in behalf of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sultan Kudarat. Likewise, the LGU of Maguindanao was represented by Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu, Atty. Cyrus Torrena and other staff members.

“We have to first improve our services,” Governor Teng Mangudadatu said as a prerequisite to complying with the payment. “And we will develop our financial program further.”

MAGELCO officials, including Board President Saikuna R. Mamokhan, Board Vice-President Akmad M. Ali, and the representative of the Province of Maguindanao to MAGELCO, Minister Parliament and Independent Director Datu Ali B. Sangki, were in agreement that this entailed the restructuring of arrears.

In modifying the terms of payment to NGCP, MAGELCO seeks to protect the interests of its constituents as well as be given the opportunity to continue developing its services and financial programs. In response, NGCP President Anthony L. Almeda agreed to the deferment of disconnection pending an immediate submission of the proposal detailing the said restructuring.

“This is a collaboration between NEA and the Local Government of Maguindanao and of Sultan Kudarat,” NEA Administrator Emmanual P. Juaneza said of the shared responsibility in resolving the matter. “We are in full support.”

The following day, the electric cooperative, together with the LGUs and the Project Supervisor to MAGELCO, NEA Director Bienvenida M. Tongol, fulfilled the agreed-upon resolution signed by the MAGELCO Board and the two (2) Governors.

As of Friday, 10 June 2022, NGCP has acknowledged the proposal promptly submitted by MAGELCO, officially and effectively deferring the disconnection. ###