DAGITAB Newsletter - Issue No. 3

DAGITAB OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE ONE EC-MCO MOVEMENT

APRIL 2020 THIRD ISSUE

Honoring the Warriors of Light The Galleries of the House of Representatives was filled with a sea of red and blue as more than 800 line workers constituting the 121 electric cooperatives from all over the Philippines were in attendance during the session honoring their steadfast service during the power restoration operations in the course of the devastation of typhoons Tisoy and Ursula.

As a small token for their selfless aid to their kababayans, the Power Bloc and the One EC Network Foundation commend the bravery of the linemen as

WHAT’S INSIDE “this generation’s modern day superheroes” during a gathering prior to the session.

In their privilege speeches, Continued on Page 6 >>>

PHILRECA goes International RECOBODA Representative sparks people’s Hearts on Valentine’s Day Expanding the 4PS: access to energy as a right APEC representative calls for EPIRA amendment

CONG. PRESLEY DE JESUS DEMANDS DOE TO EXPEDITE CSPs In his privilege speech during the regular session held last January 27, PHILRECA Party-list Representative Presley de Jesus addressed the House of Representatives tackling the issue of the delay in the part of the Department of Energy (DOE) in the conduct of Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for the approval of supply contracts of Electric Cooperatives (ECs).

Rep. De Jesus urges the DOE to streamline their processes to comply with RA 11032. The congressman called the attention of the Ease of Doing Business Advisory Council to look into the delays and make their respective recommendations, all with the hope that Electric Cooperatives can be further empowered to “ensure quality, reliability, security, and affordability of the supply of electric power”.

The DOE has implemented the CSP to ensure competitiveness in the energy market through a Department Circular published on February 1, 2018. Rep. De Jesus posits that applications for the CSP involve matters of “highly technical application” which mandates processing time of “no longer than twenty (20) working days”, per Republic Act 11032 (Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018).

Per records of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), DOE’s processing time could take as long as two months; some applications have been pending for more than three.

These undue delays tighten the supply of electricity to be distributed to rural communities. ECs are thus forced to source electricity from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), which usually yield higher prices.

PHILRECA GOES INTERNATIONAL PHILRECA exemplifies cooperativism at its finest in the 2020 Annual Meeting of the National Rural Electrification Cooperative Association (NRECA) held in Ernest Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A. last March 3.

During the ceremony, the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA), through the leadership of General Manager Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan and Cong. Presley C. De Jesus, was presented the “Excellence and Commitment to the Cooperative Way” award by Mr. Chris Christensen, Vice President of NRECA. The award was given in recognition of the 50 Years in excellence and commitment to improve the lives of people living in rural communities.

More than fifty (50) years ago, NRECA aided in establishing an electrification program in the Philippines funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Their involvement was instrumental to the creation of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and later on the country’s electric co-op movement which came to be PHILRECA. With 121 cooperatives bringing power to more than 13 million Filipino homes and businesses, PHILRECA has sparked a promise of a better future for millions of people through its advocacy of rural electrification and rural development.

The award has further inspired the movement to continue its

commitment to be a beacon of light and to advance the quality of life, welfare, and interest of the Member-Consumer-Owners of the Philippines.

RECOBODA REPRESENTATIVE SPARKS PEOPLE’S HEARTS ON VALENTINE’S DAY

Rep. Guya devoted his Valentine’s Day to giving back love to his constituents.

As a former General Manager of Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative (DASURECO), one of the top-performing electric cooperatives in the country, Rep. Guya pays tribute to his home for several years.

He started his day by charming the women of DASURECO with red roses. He gained a lot of warm smiles and gushes of glee as these red roses signified his gratitude for these lovely and hardworking ladies.

Known for his jovial nature, he gave inspirational messages as he attended the Araw ng Apolandia and Gabukal Festival at Sitio Mainit, Kapatagan, Digos City

Last February 14, 2020, people from all-over the world celebrated love. In most cultures, it is seen as a day made for lovers. While it is a good day to express love and devotion to your significant other, RECOBODA Representative Fred Guya breaks these conventional routines proving that love can be seen in many other forms.

Love for oneself, love for your family, love for your colleagues.

To call it a day well-spent, he also made sure to grace the Kasalang Bayan, a mass wedding initiated by DASURECO where 54 couples tied the knot and are now bound forever by the sacrament of marriage. Rep. Guya is happily married for 37 years making him an exemplary model to these young newly-weds.

Rep. Guya once again proves that the heart for service to the One ECMCO Movement goes beyond your years in the electric cooperative: it is a way of life. May it then serve as an inspiration to all of us that if a legislator who hardly has time for himself can devote his day as a gesture of his gratitude and solidarity with the people – there’s no excuse for us not to do the same.

It was a day full of love indeed!

HOUSE RECOGNIZES IMPORTANT ROLE OF NEA The House Committee on Energy approves House Resolution No. 180, authored by the Power Bloc, recognizing the National Electrification Administration’s (NEA’s) role in rural electrification in a committee hearing presided by Chair Lord

Allan Jay Velasco last February 24 2020.

In his sponsorship speech, RECOBODA Representative Godofredo Guya highlighted the accomplishments of the NEA under the helm of Administrator Edgardo Rama Masongsong, in partnership with all the electric cooperatives.

“These achievements, Mr. Chair, dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, deserve our recognition and appreciation. This is also the basis of our persistent effort to pass House Bill No. 468 which will convert the National Electrification Administration to an Authority, and will define and enhance its powers, functions, and operations to achieve the government’s policy for total rural electrification”, Rep. Guya said.

NEA Administrator Masongsong recounted the Administration’s achievements having reached 100% energization of 78 provinces and 1,478 municipalities and cities, 36,047 out of 36,054 barangays, 124,668 out of 147,690 sitios, and 13.625 million out of 14.335 million consumers.

The noble cause of energizing households in the countryside gears towards providing cheap, accessible, and efficient electricity. By ensuring universal access to electricity, we are one step closer to achieving sustainable rural development.

APEC REPRESENTATIVE CALLS FOR EPIRA AMENDMENT Representative Sergio Dagooc of APEC Partylist delivered his clarion call before the plenary last February 3, 2020 through his privilege speech on the impending price spikes and power outages during summer.

He opened his privilege speech by outlining the urgent task at hand: amending R.A. 9136 the Electric Power Industry Reform

Act of 2001 (EPIRA).

“This Representation carries the urgency to perform my duty as a protector of the interests of electricity end-users, the energy sector, and the Filipino people in general; because the progress of a nation is driven by its strong economy and economic activity requires reliable and leastcost electricity in modern times”, he said.

The Power Bloc Representative comes from a standpoint that is in touch with the energy sector, having served it for more than three decades. According to him, the dilemma of power shortage and price spikes during summer season are not entirely foreign to Filipinos and yet, it is still a taken-for-granted reality.

He further educated those who were in attendance of the two pressing factors contributing these power supply dilemmas: lack of power plants which provide ancillary services to the grid and lack of new power plants to cover the increasing demand annually.

“It is therefore our urgent call to amend EPIRA – We need to amend EPIRA in order for the government, through the National Power Corporation (NPC), to be able to generate energy power plants for ancillary purposes that will mitigate price spikes and ensure sufficiency of supply”, he said.

With the likes of APEC Representative, together with other Representatives of the Power Bloc – rest assured that the voice of electric cooperatives and member-consumer-owners in the lower chamber will not cease to amplify.

POWER BLOC REPRESENTATIVES FROM APEC AND PHILRECA SET TO JOIN PRESTIGIOUS ENERGY COMMISSION APEC Representative Sergio Dagooc and Representative Presley De Jesus of PHILRECA were handpicked as the newest members of the reputable Joint Congressional Energy Commission or the JCEC. The JCEC is composed of fourteen (14) members with the chairmen of the Committee on Energy of the Senate and House of Representatives which both designate six (6) members from each House as mandated by the Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).

Formerly Power Commission, the JCEC serves as the “primary watchdog” of the Philippine power sector. Thus, the Power Bloc’s appointment to the JCEC is a privilege as they now have the capacity to participate as the Commission metes out the recalibration of distribution utilities’ franchises. Distribution utilities as the torchbearers of rural electrification are the focal point of the Power Bloc’s advocacy alongside the member-consumer-owners of these electric cooperatives.

Through the Republic Act (RA) No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act signed by President Duterte in April 2019, the Power Commission has been renamed to the Joint Congressional Energy Commission, further expanding its oversight powers to revamp the energy sector’s initiatives on energy efficiency and conservation efforts.

Power Bloc Representatives Rep. De Jesus and Rep. Dagooc, together with Ako Padayon Pilipino Rep. Adriano Ebcas and RECOBODA Rep. Godofredo Guya, are currently members of the House Committee on Energy with Rep. De Jesus sitting as Vice Chairman.

DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT: IMPENDING PRICE SPIKES Management (DSM) in a press conference held at the House of Representatives last February 24. DSM ensures the timing and level of electricity demand or load shapes is met by ample supply of power.

In addition to the seasonal demand variations, continuous population growth and industrial developments in the Philippines will cause a permanent increase in electricity consumption. To meet this increase in demand efficiently, Rep. Ebcas recommends electric cooperatives to “implement load curtailment or load shedding from the large power consumers as needed”.

Companies with large establishments with embedded generators are encouraged to de-load and participate in the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) in order to leave enough supply for the residential consumers, especially during peak hours. Under this program, ILP participants will be compensated by the distribution utility for their fuel cost.

Just a few days into March and people are already experiencing the rage of the summer heat. Electricity usage in households is expected to increase during this season, paving way for market forces to dictate the prices of energy.

On this note, Ako Padayon Pilipino Party-list Representative Adriano A. Ebcas emphasized the importance of Demand-Side

EXPANDING THE 4PS ACCESS TO ENERGY AS A RIGHT In line with the increasing dependence of the Filipino people to electricity, Ako Padayon Pilipino Representative Adriano Ebcas calls for increased access to energy in his sponsorship speech for House Bill No. 6060 “An Act Expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.”

During the meeting of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation last March 3, Rep. Ebcas emphasized that access to energy is slowly transitioning from being a privilege to being a right as advancements in technology should be shared to all our people.

The Act of expanding the 4Ps, aims to increase energy accessibility through these amendments: (1) the inclusion as a policy declaration, the achievement of sustainable rural development through access to electricity for all; (2) a conditional cash transfer to beneficiaries of an Electricity utility grant, not lower than Five Hundred pesos (P500) per month for a maximum of twelve months per year; (3) the inclusion of the National Electrification Administration as part of the Advisory Council.

Rep. Ebcas also reminded the public to be conscious of their electricity consumption, especially during peak hours. He encouraged turning off the lights when not in use, avoiding the use of extension cords, unplugging of idle devices, setting air conditioners at reasonably comfortable temperatures, and using energy-efficient appliances.

Although faced with concerns regarding budget constraints, Rep. Ebcas, along with his co-sponsors from the Power Bloc, is resolved that “accessibility to electricity should be recognized by this [legislative] body as having a priceless role in modern society,” necessitating the passage of the proposed bill.

Continuation from cover...

dare do.

Representatives Presley De Jesus of PHILRECA, Sergio Dagooc of APEC, Godofredo Guya of RECOBODA, and Adriano Ebcas of Ako Padayon Pilipino, geared away from the usual political environment in Congress, and gave tribute to the backbone of this country’s power industry, the Warriors of Light.

The Culture of Bayanihan within and among the ECs

It was during the Christmas season when typhoons Tisoy and Ursula entered the Philippine’s area of responsibility, causing millions worth of losses and resulting to casualties in Visayas and Southern Luzon. Power lines were disconnected and electric posts broke down as the typhoons barreled through the affected areas.

Rep. De Jesus emphasized on the eagerness of the line workers to lend a helping hand, outside their regularly assigned areas, when the Task Force was mobilized. “Habang tayo ay ligtas at komportable sa loob ng sariling mga tahanan sa oras ng sakuna, ang ating mga line workers ay patuloy na itinataya ang kanilang buhay sa ngalan ng tungkulin!” The Congressman notes that this act of sacrifice shows the true spirit of bayanihan and the true meaning of being a Filipino.

Through Task Force Kapatid, now known as the Power Rapid Restoration Deployment Task Force (PRRD-TF), the Warriors of Light were deployed to all the four corners of the areas affected by the typhoons. The task force was initiated by PHILRECA along with the Power Bloc, in close coordination with the National Electrification Administration.

The line workers stood as soldiers in the frontlines of the power restorations, leaving behind their families on Christmas day to answer their fellowmen’s call for help, a feat only a few would

“Kayo po ang naglagay ng BAYANI sa BAYANIHAN,” was Representative Presley De Jesus’s kudos to the heroism of the linemen during in his privilege speech in honor of the Warriors of Light.

From Lineman to Congressman Our very own Representative Sergio Dagooc reminisced of the good old days of his struggles as a lineman, one of which was climbing the electric posts to light to households. He takes pride in his profession as a Warrior of Light, like the linemen of today, and in placing the interests of the nation above his own. The former lineman reckons that if he could climb the ranks to Congress, so could any other

hardworking line worker today.

The congressman currently seeks the House’s support for two bills: for proclaiming the first Monday of August every year as “Linemen Appreciation Day”, and for providing for additional insurance coverage and benefits for all linemen and other power line workers.

The Unsung Heroism Of Our Warriors Of Light “Under the bludgeonings of chance, my head is bloody, but unbowed,” Representative Godofredo Guya quoted Invictus by William Earnest Henley as he requested for a moment of silence to offer prayers to the fallen Warriors of Light. He called for recognition for these underappreciated heroes who risk life and limb to restore power which has become an utmost necessity.

The RECOBODA Representative emphasized how the linemen, being the first responders, are the first to receive the complaints of the people directly inconvenienced by blackouts. He raises that it would be invaluable and just that the public extends its

empathy and appreciation to these tireless line workers.

The Experience of Our Line Workers During the Onslaught of Typhoon Tisoy and Ursula Ako Padayon Pilipino Representative Adriano Ebcas, during his privilege speech, was the one who proclaimed that the ordinary lineman is the “Modern Superheroes” of our times for their unwavering determination to serve and their invaluable contribution to nation building.

He recounted that these Warriors of Light, at several times, “needed to leave their own families and sacrifice their days off to help in the force reclamation”. Electric Cooperatives throughout the country sent more than 900 linemen to repair powerline damages brought about by Typhoons Tisoy and Ursula. The linemen worked “24 hours a day, 7 days a week”, restoring power to more than half a million families affected by the typhoons.

PHILAIM CONVENTION 2020: “Empowering MCOs, Strengthening the Movement” Moments before the announcement of a community quarantine, the Philippine Association of Institutional Managers (PHILAIM) successfully conducted its 2020 Convention in BENECO Headquarters, Baguio City on March 12-13. Institutional Services Department Managers and staff from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao attended the Convention.

The Convention focused on challenging the ECs’ Institutional leaders to reinforce the relevance of the Institutional Department in the structure of Electric Cooperatives. Among the speakers were PHILAIM National President Edna B. Diango; Power Bloc Representatives Sergio Dagooc of APEC, Adriano Ebcas of Ako Padayon Pilipino, Fred Guya of Recoboda; NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong; Chief Political Affairs Officer of the Power Bloc Marianne Acedo; NEA Institutional Development Department Manager Nollie Allamillo; NEA Deputy Administrator Atty. Vicar G. Lofranco; and NEA Acting Department Manager of the Management & Consultancy Services Office Engr. Reynaldo Cuevas Jr. As a precautionary measure against the then looming COVID-19 threat, the host electric cooperative assigned thermal scanners and hand sanitizers upon entry to the venue.

The Convention concluded with the election of Atty. Delmar O. Cariño of BENECO as the new President of PHILAIM.

THE EVER-EVOLVING ISELCO-I The Isabela I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ISELCO-I) has been consistently evolving into a competitive cooperative by setting trends not only in the region but also beyond. Notable are the efforts of all its stakeholders resulting in quality services delivered to every MCO. One of such service is the co-op’s Drive-Thru Collection Office.

This venture - the first of its kind in the country - provides MCOs an additional mode of payment thus improving collections. Another service is the mortuary assistance to all MCOs of ISELCO-I. Such assistance to MCOs has been successfully running for two years.

Administration (NEA).

To expand its reach, the co-op works with PHILRECA, Inc., PHILRECA Party-List, and the National Electrification

Under its two unrelenting leaders, Hon. Presley C. De Jesus, BOD President & PHILRECA Party-List Representative; and Engr. Virgilio L. Montano, General Manager & CEO, the co-op remains true to the words, “Sa ISELCO-I, Ikaw ang Number One”.

DID YOU KNOW? The previous years had been challenging to the rural electrification movement. To ensure that the electric cooperatives and the member-consumer-owners (MCOs) will be given their voice in the country’s energy sector, the movement vied for seats in Congress.

Now represented by the PHILRECA Party List, APEC Party List, RECOBODA Party List, and Ako Padayon Pilipino Party List, the electric cooperatives and the MCOs will be able to truly influence the country’s energy sector through legislation.

NEECO 1 readies its employees to become “information officers” Nueva Ecija 1 Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NEECO 1) breeds new “information officers” equipped with knowledge and passion to serve its Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs). This initiative is part of the One EC-MCO Movement’s thrust of strengthening its MCOs’ understanding of the rural electrification sector through its Information and Education Campaign (IEC).

A two-day seminar on the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers underscoring the rights and obligations of residential electricity consumers was conducted last March 5 and 6. The inhouse training was organized by the Cooperative’s Corporate Planning, Energy Trading, IT Division, and the Institutional Services Department. As the participants are involved with dealing with such consumers, it is best that they are equipped with the procedures on handling consumer concerns.

LEYECO II and KEPCO SPC holds joint CSR activity LEYECO II and KEPCO SPC conducted a joint Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) drive, with the theme: “Ang KEPCO SPC at LEYECO II Ay Iyong Kaagapay sa Pagbangon”, last January 30 in Babatngon, Leyte.

Indigent families from Babatngon were chosen as the beneficiaries of the CSR drive to mitigate the losses caused by Typhoon Ursula which struck the fourth class municipality on Christmas Eve last year. The activity was organized to personally give cash assistance to 150 indigent families residing in the said municipality who suffered total damages due to the typhoon.

This activity is a manifestation that LEYECO II will never cease in its efforts to provide services to its MCOs. As lamrag han kinabuhi, LEYECO II will continue to ignite hope and light lives all in the name of service.

Beyond Electrification: 4Es for Sustainable Livelihood Program of ASELCO Going beyond its mission of rural electrification, Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ASELCO) seeks to EMPOWER, ENHANCE, ENABLE, and ENGAGE its Member Consumers Owners (MCOs) through sustainable livelihood programs.

The first-ever corn production livelihood program which EMPOWERS corn producers was launched last February 10, where farmers were introduced to the mix-organic and in-organic farming.

Last February 24, ASELCO ENHANCED the capabilities of the Bitanagan Unified Women’s Association (BUWA) of Barangay Bitan-agan, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur through the 2nd Phase of the Mushroom Livelihood Program.

ASELCO also ENABLES additional payment collection centers though the NCECCO Financial Downloading Program to ease the MCOs in paying its monthly power bill by establishing a collection center run by the barangay level NCECCO. A 10-day Dressmaking Training Workshop ENGAGED dressmakers as part of ASELCO’s Corporate Social Responsibility in partnership with NCECCO, ASSAT and TESDA - Agusan del Sur. ASELCO, as it goes beyond electrification, maintains a strong partnership with government and non-government institutions and continues to seek programs that spur social and economic development within its franchise area.

EDITORIAL: Unseen Consequences of COVID-19 in the Power Sector Our country is facing an unprecedented health crisis. The recent outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a serious risk on our lives. The gravity of its danger and the continuous rise of infected individuals has triggered President Duterte’s declaration of State of Public Health Emergency throughout the country and the implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine in entire Luzon, which other LGUs followed suit and enforced community quarantine in their respective areas. These measures which are meant to contain the spread of the virus and protect the people has led to suspension of classes, closing of establishments and business operations, suspension of domestic air travel, and limited transport.

Effect on Electricity Consumers

With the lockdown, people are instructed to stay at home and work from home, if possible. Due to this, the overall electricity demand in our country is projected to decrease. This is one of the unseen consequences of COVID-19 – a significant reduction in electricity demand.

Prior to the spread of COVID-19, we were dreading the perennial power shortage and price spikes during summer. In an earlier press conference last February 24, the Power Bloc Representatives warned the public of the impending price spike during summer due to the increasing growth demand and the lack of new power plants in Luzon to support the demand. However, in light of the recent events, power shortage and price spikes in the Wholesale Electricity Market (WESM) are highly unlikely throughout the implementation of community quarantine.

Consequently, the lockdown will bear a disproportionate impact on daily wage earners and on small-medium enterprises. During this period, these people will have no means to earn a living. And with the meager savings they have left, it will naturally be used for their food and other basic necessities. The Power Bloc Representatives are not blind to this reality and they recognize the severity of the situation which is why they have taken immediate action to help the electricity consumers in this difficult time.

Collective Effort of the Power Bloc Upon the declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine on March 17, the Power Bloc Representatives immediately called

out the power suppliers to heed to the request of PHILRECA, in behalf of 121 electric cooperatives (ECs). They called for the invocation of the Force Majeure Event in the Power Supply Agreements (PSA), requesting for the Contract Capacity Charges (Php/kWh/Month) to be billed based on their actual nomination since the ECs will not be able to fully utilize their contracted demand at 100% under the current circumstances.

They also requested for the deferment of payment of power bills and for the prompt payment discount to still be available while payment is extended.

This collective effort of the Power Bloc may hopefully ease the burden of our consumers during this challenging time by providing a leeway on payment of their electricity bills. As advocates of rural electrification and empowerment of memberconsumer-owners (MCOs), the Power Bloc Representatives are taking action to ensure the continuity of power supply, to safeguard the consumers from price spikes, and to help tide them over until this crisis is behind us.

These are not normal times. In this time of pandemic and crisis, the plight of the common Filipino is usually overlooked.

The only way for us to get through this is to show solidarity and compassion for each other. We have to remember to keep our humanity. We can survive this together.

Power Bloc files a bill to convert NEA to an “Authority” The week after our representatives gave their privilege speech for the Warriors of Light in Congress, the House Committee on Energy conducted a Committee Hearing to discuss House Bill No. 468, principally sponsored by the Power Bloc Representatives, to convert the National Electrification Administration (NEA) into an “Authority”.

This conversion will remove NEA from the governance of the Department of Energy (DOE) and shall place it directly under the supervision of the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines (OP). The direct agency aims to streamline the processes and

operations of NEA to better effect rural electrification and socio-economic development.

In the course of the proceedings, there was a series of interpellations from the house members directed to NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong, inquiring into the status of the communities energized under the Administration and evaluating the necessity for the proposed house bill.

In his response, the Administrator reported that the NEA has energized 99.98% of barangays and 84.41% of sitios summing to a 95.05% electrification of consumers, benefiting more than 61 million Filipinos.

The NEA Administrator wanted it to be known as a fact that the excellent success rate of NEA is conclusive proof that it could handle larger responsibilities and eventually to achieve 100% rural electrification. NEA’s transformation to an Authority, he added, would allow easier coordination among all stakeholders: from the loyal member-consumer-owners to the hardworking linemen.

The Committee hearing concluded with General Managers from electric cooperatives expressing their full and unreserved support for the bill, as well as other house members proposing to co-author.

The Legacy of Electric Cooperatives in the country’s Development The long history of electric cooperatives in the Philippines began in 1969, when the National Electrification Administration was formally established by virtue of Republic Act 6038, otherwise known as the National Electrification Administration Act. The establishment of NEA paved the way for the total electrification of the country—central to this program is providing electricity to the communities in the countryside.

Before the passage of the National Electrification Administration Act, only about 5.8% of homes in the rural areas had electricity. At a time when the country was struggling to create strategies that would fill in these gaps, the electric cooperatives were considered as the best solution to help the government properly implement the National Electrification Program.

The electric cooperatives operate under an area-based approach wherein the Philippines is divided into different coverage areas. Currently, a total of 121 electric cooperatives* all over the Philippines are under the supervision of NEA. The ECs serve as the staunch partners of the government in carrying out the goals of the Rural Electrification Program.

*see the 121 Electric Cooperatives Vicinity Map on the last page