The National Electrification Administration (NEA) gathered key officials of Electric Cooperatives (ECs) from Region VI, VII and VIII in a seminar that aims to capacitate their newly elected Board of Directors, and newly appointed General Managers and Officer-in-Charge in understanding the Electric Power Industry.
Former Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Commissioner Atty. Josefina Patricia M. Asirit served as the speaker at the Power 101 Seminar Series. The discussion focused on the basic concepts of the Philippine Energy Sector, the electric power system, and the historical perspective of the Electric Power Industry.
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda graced the event together with Deputy Administrator for Legal Services Atty. Rossan S.J. Rosero-Lee, Deputy Administrator for Technical Services Atty. Omar M. Mayo, Deputy Administrator for EC Management Services Engr. Ernesto Silvano, Jr. and Acting Deputy Administrator for Corporate Resources and Financial Services Leila B. Bonifacio.
During the event, the NEA Chief instructed the ECs who have not yet elected their regular Board of Directors to immediately organize their Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) and schedule their selection and election process as soon as possible.
"There will be no other better personnel to manage electric cooperatives but the consumer themselves. So, I want consumer empowerment in the electric coop industry, through the Board of Directors, through the selection, the appointment of their own GMs," Administrator Almeda said as he assured the ECs of NEA's continuing support in the initiative to bring power to the remotest place in the country.
"Iyan ang marching order sa akin ng Presidente, kailangang pailawan ang kasuluk-sulukan ng Pilipinas. We will work together, introducing programs that fully tap the potential of the rural electrification program, to enhance people's productivity and make them active partners in building sustainable rural communities. Kakampi n'yo po ako. Kakampi n'yo ang buong NEA," the Administrator added.
A total of 88 officials from 25 ECs in the Visayas attended the seminar held in Cebu City on 06-07 December 2022. This Power 101 Seminar is the second of its series. Last 25-26 October the Luzon ECs participated in the same seminar while the Mindanao ECs are scheduled early next year.
Aside from Power 101 Seminar, the Administrator also attended the Christmas Party of Region VII Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. or CEVECA. He commended the member ECs of the association for their exemplary performance in the electric power industry.
On behalf of Region VII ECs, CEVECA President Virgilio C. Fortich, Jr. thanked the Administrator and pledged as well their support and cooperation to NEA under the leadership of Administrator Almeda.###
