DAGITAB Newsletter - Issue No. 8

DAGITAB IssueNo.8

PHILRECAUPDATES

HOUSE ADOPTS RESOLUTION TO MAINTAIN ST A TUS QUO IN BENECO The House of Representatives adopted House Resolution (HR) 2239 in light of the crisis over the general manager post of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO).

HR 2239, principally introduced by the four party-list solons representing electric cooperatives, aims to address the leader ship impasse in the aforementioned electric utility which sprung from the insistence of the National Electrification Administration Board of Administrators on appointing a candidate despite not meeting the qualifications for a general manager.

As of writing, the NEA has completely disregarded the adopted resolution as it installed a Project Supervisor to manage BENECO. PHILRECA, the umbrella organization of the 121 electric cooperatives, denounces this move as it maintains that NEA can only exercise its step-in rights in the affairs of electric cooperatives if it can prove that the cooperative is "ailing" or in financial distress, which is not the case as BENECO is among the "top-performing electric cooperatives" across the country.

Referred by the Committee on Energy, HR 2239 reminds the National Electrification Administration to : "avoid repeated ultra vires acts, specifi cally in its selectio n of the General Manager of BENECO, and maintain the status quo on retaining the current Officer-In-Charge of BENECO, under pain of contempt, until all the issues on the selection of the General Manager of BENECO have been resolved".

prinsipyo, 'those who have less in life should have more in law'."

Dahil nakatakdang mapaso ang imp lementasyon ng Lifeline Rate Subsidy noong Hunyo, siniguro ng Power Bloc na maipagpapatuloy pa rin ang pagbibigay ng subsidiyang ito upang hindi mahirapan ang mga lifeliners. Hangad ng mga mambabatas na matulungan ang mga konsyumers na makaahon sa hirap at maibsan ang kanilang mga bayarin lalo na sa panahon ngayon ng pandemya.

APECUPDATES

DAGITAB IssueNo.8

PANEL APPROVES BILL REMOVING THE EXPIRATION PERIOD OF JCEC are fully implemented.

The JCEC acts as the energy industry watchdog of which AML Dagooc and PHILRECA Party-List Representative Presley De Jesus both sit as members.

Power Bloc Representatives who also attended the hearing are Ako Padayon Filipino Party-List Representative Adriano Ebcas and RECOBODA Party-List Representative Godofredo Guya.

MGA

BATAS

PARA

SA

LINEWORKERS

NA ISINUMITE NG

Inaatasan rin ng batas na ito ang National Electrification Administration at ibang stakeholders sa industriya ng enerhiya upang ipagdiwang ang araw na ito sa pamamagitan ng paglulunsad ng taunang national convention at mga aktibidades gaya ng training, seminars, at iba pang makabuluhang programa para sa mga linemen.

POWER BLOC,

Naaprubahan rin ang House Bill 9524 na nagkamit ng parehong 225 affirmative votes, walang negative votes, at walang abstentions. Nakapaloob sa House Bill 9524 ang mandato sa mga employers ng lineworkers upang magbigay ng life and Pasado na sa Ikatlo at Huling Pagbasa sa Kamara noong accident or disability insurance at benepisyo gaya ng RetireAgosto 2 ang House Bill 9524 na naglalayong magbigay ng ment Benefits, Mortuary Assistance, Disability Benefits, at mandatory insurance coverage at benepisyo sa lineworkers at Reimbursement ng gastusing medikal sa oras ng kamatayan, ang House Bill 9489 na nagtatalaga ng National Linemen Ap- aksidente, pagkakasakit, disability, at iba pang pinsala na maaaring matamo habang ginagampanan ang tungkulin. preciation Day.

APRUBADO SA KAMARA

Bilang isang dating lineman, isa si Assistant Minority Leader Sergio Dagooc, kasama ang Power Bloc, sa nagsumite at nagsikap upang maipasa ang mga panukalang batas na ito sa Kongreso.

Mula sa naitalang 225 affirmative votes, walang negative votes, at walang abstentions, ang House Bill 9489 ay ipinasa upang ilaan ang unang Lunes ng Agosto ng bawat taon bilang National Linemen Appreciation Day bilang pagkilala sa hindi matatawarang kontribusyon ng mga lineworker sa bayan at pagsiguro sa patuloy na pag-usbong ng kaunlaran sa kanayunan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapailaw.

Sa ilalim ng House Bill 9524, ang line worker ay tumukoy sa lahat ng : "crew, drivers, helpers who are directly responsible for the construction, installation, maintenance, reconstruction, and repair of overhead transmission and distribution electrical systems including underground cables, electrical substations, and other related electrical equipment and facilities".

Kasabay ng pag-apruba sa House Bills 9489 at 9524 ay ang pangalawang taon ng pagdiriwang ng PHILRECA ng National Linemen Appreciation Day. Ang PHILRECA ang asosasyon na namamahala sa 121 rural electric cooperatives sa buong bansa.

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DAGITAB IssueNo.8

RECOBODA UPDATES

REP. GUYA URGES AGENCIES TO ACCELERATE

THE ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM RECOBODA Party-list Representative Godofredo Guya raised electrification concerns during the FY 2022 budget deliberations of the Department of Energy (DOE) and its attached agencies including the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) last September 23.

The legislator called on the DOE and NEA to fulfill their mandate and expedite the electrification of remaining unenergized sitios in far-flung areas, especially in Mindanao.

"I hope that the DOE and NEA would fast track the Household Electrification Program and Sitio Electrification Program for next year because there are still a lot of our kababayans in BARMM and CARAGA that still do not have access to electricity," he said.

Rep. Guya also conveyed his full support for the budget restoration of the ERC. The solon stressed the need to supplement the workforce of the agency in order to address the delays in the approval of CAPEX and rates. Further, he noted that the increased budget will help expedite other pending cases and will help the agency to function properly in ensuring better electricity services for the consuming public.

As one of the champions of the electric cooperatives and member-consumer-owners, Rep. Guya intends to ensure that the FY 2022 budget is responsive to the needs of the rural electrification sector.

SUPORT A SA NORDECO LABAN SA TANG KANG TAKE OVER, IGINIIT NI RECOBODA REP. GUYA .

Inihayag ni RECOBODA Party-list Representative Godofredo Guya ang suporta sa Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) laban sa banta ng take-over ng isang private for-profit company sa kanyang privilege speech noong Mayo 24.

Iginiit ng mambabatas na labag sa interes ng konsyumante ang pagpasok ng for-profit na kompanya sapagkat ito ay magdudulot ng pagtaas ng presyo ng kuryente sa lugar.

"Kapag po napunta sa isang private for-profit company ang prangkisa sa pag-distribute ng kuryente, mas malaki po ang posibilidad na tataas ang electricity rates ng mga consumers nito dahil ang mga for-profit private companies ay maaaring mag-

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DAGITAB AKOPADAVONPILIPINOUPDATES Issue No.8 HOUSE ENERGY COMMITTEE INAPRUBAHAN

ANG ENERGY COUNSEL ADVOCACY OFFICE BILL Ang House Bill 8786 o "Energy Counsel Advocacy Office Bill" na naglalayong bumuo ng opisina na magrerepresenta sa mga konsumidore s para sa mga issue at kaso kaugnay sa enerhiya ay naaprubahan na sa komite noong Hulyo 15.

Layunin ng HB 8786 na lumikha ng isang institusyon na magsisilibing tanggapan ng mga konsyumer upang maitaguyod ang kanilang interes pagdating sa isyu ng kuryente gaya ng rate-setting at rule-making. Sa ganitong paraan ay masisiguro ang makatwiran at abot-kayang presyo ng bayarin sa kuryente.

POWER BLOC FILES HOUSE BILL TO SECURE GRID STABILITY AND

RESERVE CAP A CITY Last July 2, Power Bloc Representatives Presley De Jesus, Sergio Dagooc, Adriano Ebcas, and Godofredo Guya filed House Bill 9733, "Allowing the Government to Own and Operate Power Plants. " House Bill 9733 aims to allow the government to participate in power generation to help provide grid stability and to secure sufficient reserve capacity for the country by amending RA 9136 or EPIRA. Moreover, the bill mandates the government, through the National Power Corporation, to generate and sell electricity and to own and construct power plants in every grid such that the additional capacity is equivalent to the capacity of the biggest power plant in each grid.

The bill further proposes the permanent exemption of the Agus and Pulangi Hydro Electric Plants Complexes from privatization in order to maintain the low power rates in Mindanao.

The Power Bloc seeks to address the price spikes in electricity and the pere 1mial shortage of power supply in our country through this measure. They believe that having government-owned plants for ancillary will mitigate the electricity price volatility. Further, allowing the government to operate and generate its own plants will help ensure grid stability and power supply reliability.

As the representatives of electric cooperatives and electric consumers, the Power Bloc is concerned with the recurring electricity issues and hopes to put an end to the consumer woes.

Republic of the Philippines Ho use of Represe nt atives Quezon City EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS Third Regular Session HOUSE BILL No .

9733

Introduced by: REP. PRESLEY C. DE JESUS, PHILRECA Party-List REP . SERGIO C. DAGOOC, APEC Party-List REP. GODOFREDO N. GUYA, RECOBODA Party-List REP. ADR IANO N . EBCAS, Ako Pilipino Party-List

AN ACT MANDAT ING THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSTRUCT, OPERA TE, AND MA INTA IN POWER GENERA TI NG ASSETS TO ENSURE GR ID STAB ILIT Y AND SUPP LY RELIABILITY FOR ANC ILLARY AND OTHER PURPOSES, AMEND ING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 47 OF REPUB LIC ACT NO. 9136, OT H ERWISE KNOWN AS THE ELECTRIC POWE R INDUSTRY REFORM ACT OF 2001

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Electric cooperatives nationwide joined the "Black Friday Protest" spearheaded by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc (PHILRECA) to denounce the attempts that threaten the independence of the electric cooperatives. The 121 electric cooperatives throughout the country express a united front with their consistent participation in the Black Friday Protest as seen across social media with the hashtags #HandsOffOurECsNoToTakeOver and #UnitedWeStandWeStandUnited.

In the forefront of this fight are the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO), Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO), Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO), and electric coops servicing Iloilo (ILECO I, II, and III), Bicol (CASURECO III), and Province of Negros (NONECO, NOCECO, CENECO, NORECO I, and NORECO II).

received a petition on allegations "to transfer its operations to Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) after allegations of "growing clamor of the consumer-members of NORDECO and civil society organizations" imputed by the executives of the Province of Davao del Norte. A few months after, House Bill 9978, which seeks to grant a franchise to DLPC to operate and establish a distribution system in the franchise areas of NORDECO, was filed in the House of Representatives. The Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) of NORDECO, however, renounced the impending takeover through a signature campaign that garnered approximately 94,000 signatures throughout the franchise area.

BENECO - The issue in BENECO sterns from the overreach of the National Electrification Board of Administration (NEA-BOA) on the selection and appointment of the General Manager of the cooperative.

Despite the appointment of Engr. Melchor Licoben, NEA BOA insists on its decision and installed a different General Manager, which is not within its power. Under the NEA Memorandum No. 2018-004, the NEA BOA can only endorse candidates for the position and the final decision lies within the powers of the electric cooperative and its MCOs. While the BENECO employees and MCOs strongly protested the NEA BOA's decision, the issue was exacerbated when the NEA-installed General Manager forcibly entered the headquarters of BENECO which caused chaos and fear to the employees. The incident caused quite a controversy, and such a coercive attempt only solidified the position of the employees and MCOs against the actions of the NEABOA.

PALECO - The City Council of Puerto Princesa filed a resolution, last August, "opening" the city to another power distribution utility 6 to address power shortage issue pointed out by President

Duterte. P ALECO is currently the power distributor in. Puerto Princesa serving approximately 150, 000 member-consumer-owners. P ALECO clarifies that allowing a private for-profit distribution company in its franchise area will not solve the erratic power situation on the island. P ALECO OIC MSD Manager stressed that "the power rates paid by the consumers now will skyrocket if the distribution utility is privatized as the new entity will be profit-oriented.

The taxes imposed on the distributor will be passed on to all consumers."

ILOILO ECs - ILECO I, ILECO II, and ILECO III experienced a critical threat, last September, when a bill to expand the franchise of MORE Electric and Power Corporation to the areas under the franchise of electric cooperatives was filed and approved by Congress. Considering that MORE is a private for-profit company allowed to have a profit margin, the Iloilo member-consumer-owners will also be affected in terms of an increased electricity rate once MORE enters the franchise area currently served by the electric cooperatives. The Iloilo electric coops assert that the bill is in violation of RA 9136 or EPIRA, which provides that distribution utilities have an" exclusive franchise to operate", and that it is detrimental to the interest of the end-consumers.

BICOL ECs - In 2019, House Bill 4437, whid1 grants a franchise to Bicol Light and Power Corporation in the same coverage area of Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO III), was approved and transmitted to the Senate despite strong opposition from the rural electric cooperatives sector.

NEGROS ECs - In 2019, House Bill 3962 was filed which aims to grant Gamboa Hermanos Farmworkers Multipurpose Cooperative (Gamboa Hermanos) a franchise to distribute electricity in the same areas currently served by NONECO, NOCECO, CENECO, NORECO I, and NORECO II. Considering that there are electric cooperatives operating in the areas, the bill is in violation of RA 9136 or EPIRA which provides that a distribution utility has an "exclusive franduse to operate". Moreover, the absence of track record of the Gamboa Hermanos as a distribution utility is not reassuring to the welfare of the member-consumer-owners in Negros.

DAGITAB IssueNo.8

To combat the threats against the electric cooperatives and assert the welfare of the member-consumer-owners, the Power Bloc took immediate actions in the House of Representatives.

In support of the electric cooperatives and member-consumer-owners in Iloilo, the Power Bloc also took a stand and voted "No" during the Third Reading of House Bill 10306which seeks to expand the franchise of MORE Electric and Power Corporation to the areas currently under the franchise of ILECO I, II, and ill.

EFFORTS OF THE MOVEMENT With the various issues surrounding the electric cooperatives, PHILRECA - the umbrella organization of the 121 Rep. Guy a of RECOBODA delivered his privi- electric cooperatives - organized a press conference, lege speech last March to voice the Power themed "Role of Electric Cooperatives and other Players in Bloc's support to NORDECO against the Addressing Challenges in the Energy Sector," last Novemthreat of take-over. The Power Bloc also ber 10. filed a House Resolution to investigate the overreach of NEA-BOA on these- PHILRECA Executive Director and General Manager Atty. lection and appointment of general Janeene Depay-Colingan stressed that "while there are managers of electric cooperatives. some cooperatives who have had their share of challenges The said resolution, HR 2239, was and problems in their operations, there are other concerns approved and adopted on Sep- that fall outside the ambit of control and power of any distritember 22. Following the in- bution utility- be it a private distribution utility or like our vestigation, NEA-BOA was members, electric cooperatives." fow1d to have committed grave abuse of discretion Also present during the press conference are the electric coin BENECO and it rec- operatives, the Power Bloc, and the leaders and advocates ommends that they in the sector - - former NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Mamaintain the status songsong, Advocate of Sustainable Rural quo to ensure the Development and Nation Building, Mr. uninterrupted Allan L. Laniba, President of operations NAGMEC; Atty. Gloria C. Corrales, and ser- President of PHABDREC; and Mr. vices of Reynaldo V. Villanueva, Chairman of BENECO. NCECCO. #UnitedWeStand.WeStandUnited

IKALAWANG LINEMEN APPRECIATION DAY, IPINAGDIWANG Ipinagdiwang ng 121 electric cooperatives at ng buong One EC-MCO Movement ang ikalawang "National Linemen Appreciation Day" noong Agosto

webinar ni NEA Engr. Reynaldo Cuevas Jr tungkol sa teknikal na aspeto ng tungkulin ng mga lineman.

2.

Para sa ikalawang bahagi naman ng pagdiriwang ay nagkaroon ng sariling programa ang bawat kooperatiba kung saan ay kanilang ginawaran ng awards at certificates ang mga linemen bilang pasasalamat at pagkilala sa kanilang tapat na serbisyo.

Ang unang parte ng programa ay ginanap virtually sa pangunguna ng PHILRECA. Dumalo at nagbigay ng mensahe sa mga linemen ang Power Bloc Representatives na sina Presley De Jesus (PHILRECA), Sergio Dagooc (APEC), Godofredo Guya (RECOBODA), at Adriano Ebcas (Ako Padayon Filipino).

Nagpaabot din ng mensahe sila former National Electrification Administration Admin Edgardo Masongsong, PHILRECA General Manager & Executive Director Atty .

Janeene Depay-Colingan, NAGMEC President Allan Laniba, at ULAP President Alex Baldisco. Kasama din sa programa ang lecture

Ang "National Linemen Appreciation Day" ay ang taunang pagbibigay-pugay at pagkilala sa kadakilaan at sakripisyo ng mga lineman sa buong bansa. Ito ay ginaganap tuwing unang Lunes ng Agosto bawat taon, alinsunod sa panukalang batas na inihain ng Power Bloc na kasalukuyang nakapasa na sa Ikatlong Pagbasa sa Kongreso.

TA The Power Bloc aired their "Taunang Ulat" via their social media platforms last July 26.

The "Taunang Ulat" is the annual report of the Power Bloc Representatives to their constituents - the electric cooperatives and memberconsumer- owners - on the legislative updates and accomplishments, as well as the programs implemented.

From the 56 principally authored measures, each solon highlighted some of the priority legislation geared towards safeguarding the interests of their constituents and the betterment of the energy sector.

APEC Representative Sergio Dagooc reported that House Bills 9524 and 9489, both for the benefit of lineworkers, are already approved on Second Reading. PHILRECA Representative Presley De Jesus also shared that the Lifeline Rate Extension bill is now passed into law as Republic Act 11552.

Meanwhile, RECOBODA Representative Godofredo Guya reported that for the past year, they have delivered five Privilege Speeches to show support and voice the concerns of the electric cooperatives, such as on the issue of

C, NEWS/FEATURE

the overreach of the NEA Board of Administrators in the affairs of electric coops and on the issue of the threat of take-over of a private for-profit company in Northern Davao Electric Cooperative.

Similarly, Ako Padayon Filipino Representative Adriano Ebcas highlighted the various social services programs implemented by the Power Bloc, in coordination with government agencies and with the help of electric cooperatives. These include the Pantawid Liwanag Program, medical assistance from DOH and DSWD, TESDA scholarship program, and the DOLE TUPAD assistance program.

The Power Bloc solons concluded the 30-minute presentation with a pledge of their continued support as they voiced in unison, "Serbisyong tapat para sa ECs, para sa MCOs, para sa bayan."

PHILRECA, APEC, RECOBODA, AKO PADA YON PILIPINO

DAGITAB IssueNo.8

ORGANIZE PARTY-LIST CONVENTION -

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The One EC-MCO Party-Lists, composed of PHILRECA, APEC, RECOBODA, and Ako Padayon Filipino, held their respective Party-List Conventions on separate dates last September.

Present during the conventions were the respective party-list officers and party members from different parts of the cormtry. Due to the COVID-19 health restrictions, the conventions were held in a mix of virtual and physical attendance.

The program started with the annormcement of winners of the "IEClympics" and the "Jingle and Choreography Making Contest". Then, the Party-list = Representatives each presented their reports on the accomplishments and updat es on the legislative measures and programs implemented for the past year. This was followed by a report of the Party-list Treasurer on the financial standing of the party.

Also part of the program were the amendments of the party-list by-laws, the changes and election of new ... party-list officers, the approval of resolutions, and the discussions on the party's plans and programs.

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The highlight of the convention was the announcemen t of the selected nominees for the upcoming 2022 elections. Each nominee expressed their gratitude and support for the party and its advocacy.

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The events each ended on a high note with the attendees looking forward to actively participate in the plans and programs and show support on the upcmning 2022 elections.

Ang PHILRECA , sa pakikipagtulungan sa One EC Network Foundation, ay nag-organi sa ng kauna-unahang malawakang MCO Community Pantry sa buong ban sa noong Abril.

Nagkaisa ang 121 electric cooperatives at nagbukas ng community pantries sa kani-kanilang nasa sakupan upang makapagbigay ng libreng pagkain sa mga MCO s.

Kabilang sa kanilang mga 1pmamigay ay iba't ibang pruta s, gulay, delata , at bigas.

Ang ini sya tibong ito ay handog ng rural electrification sector para sa a ting mga kababayan na kapos sa buhay at lubos na naaapektohan ng pandemya.

Dahil naging matagumpay ang programang ito at patuloy parin tayong sinu subok ng

pandemya , muling inilun sad ng PHILRECA ang MCO Community Pantry bilang parti sipa syon sa National Cooperative Month Celebration noong Oktubre.

Muling sabay- sabay na nagbukas ng kani-kanilang community pantrie s ang lahat ng kooperatiba nitong Oktubre 15.

Ang pakikiisa at buong suporta ng mga kooperatiba sa buong bansa sa MCO Community Pantry ay patunay ng kanilang nagkakai sang adhikain na makatulong sa kapwa at maiangat ang anta s ng pamumuhay ng kanilang mga miyembro-konsyumante.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga programang gay a nito , naipapakita ng mga kooperatiba ang kanilang tapat na serbi syo hi git sa pagpapailaw.

# OneECMCOMovement

NEWS/FEATURE 0

DAGITAB IssueNo.8 The recent changes and adjustments brought about by the pandemic continue to take a toll not only on our physical health, but on our mental health as well. Part of our commitment as advocates for rural electrification is to ensure \ sustainability in our workplaces, so that we can deliver quality service to our memberconsumer-owners.

Succe ssful organizations are created employee s of electric cooperatives to by individuals who are adaptable to join us in the virtual event dubbed as change and are sensitive to their the "Take It Easy, Mga Kasama Sa surroundings.

For u s, worker s and EC" . Said virtual gathering was conducted on October 20, wherein advocates of the rural electrification movement, putting sustainability at relevant topics on mental health were the core of our service mean s that discussed by mental health experts workers and employees will also be namely, Dr. Ava Angeli Bustillo and given the means to cope with stress. Miss World Finalist Joymanne After all, being part of an advocacy Barcoma. requires a deeper understanding of the value we add to the organization and The Philippine Training Academy for the values we promote and cultivate as Rural Electrification (PTARE) was also workers . One of the calls of our time is officially launched during the event. to give importance to workers' mental Said institution shall be the primary health by ensuring that they are aware arm of the sector in promoting of how they can take care of continuous learning and development themselves and others as well. among workers and employees of ECs. This is the value that we want to strengthen among our workers-being aware and sensitive of other s' mental health conditions.

Driven by our of the rural importance of productivity sustainability,

goal to remind workers electrification on the mental health to overall and to the ECs' we gathered all

PHILRECA envisions that the Take It Easy, Mga Kasama Sa EC will now be conducted as annual event in celebration of the National Cooperatives Month and National Mental Health Month, to remind the workers of our accomplishments and to congratulate them for all the hard work and sacrifices in attaining our goals.

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PELCO III LAUNCHES PROGRAMS

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This year, PELCO III initiated several activities for the benefit of its member-consumer-owners. One of which is the Anniversary Community Pantry wherein 1,400 beneficiaries received groceries and medical paraphernalia such as face masks and face shields.

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from the said pantry, a simultaneous 'community pantry led by PHILRECA was also held, thanks to the generous donations 9{the employees.

PELCO III also used the power of social media by conducting Facebook Live to keep its member-consumer-owners (MCOs) updated and informed on its programs and activities. Through this, the MCOs were notified of the availability of online payment centers which provides them an option to pay their bills from the safety of their own homes. A program, "Premyo sa Resibo", was also launched to reward 60 MCOs with on-time payments.

_In addition, "Brigada Eskwela", a yearly -· initiative that aims to assist 25 public schools, was also made possible this year. Each school received health essentials and school supplies, including cleaning tools.

Moreover, PELCO III successfully held blessing ceremonies of the newly constructed area offices in San Simon and Masantol. With the additional offices, PELCO III aims to cater to the needs and provide better service to its MCOs.

As we fight through the pandemic, PELCO III acknowledges the need for access to safe and nutritious food in this time of crisis.

Hence, the cooperative donated seeds and seedlings to indigents in the Minalin, San Simon, and Apalit areas.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, PELCO III continuously aspires to empower its MCOs through various programs and by organizing meetings that encourage collaboration and involvement of all.

ANTECO BRINGS LIGHT AND HOPE AMIDST PANDEMIC -•

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Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO), the lone power distributor in the Province of Antique, keeps on finding means to bring not only light but also hope to its member-consumer-owner s through various assistance programs amid the pandemic.

ANTECO implemented programs such as the MCO Community Pantry, Pantawid Liwanag Program, and Kadiwa Ni Ani at Kita to alleviate the struggles of the member-consumer-owners.

The MCO Community Pantry, in partnership with the ANTECO Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AEMPC), was conducted at the ANTECO MCO Center on April 27. Fresh produce such as rice, eggs, and vegetables were distributed to more than 200 MCOs. Due to its success, ANTECO opened its MCO Community Pantry again on

October 15 and 19, which benefitted 1,600MCOs.

DAGITAB IssueNo.8

DIELCO CELEBRATES ITS 31ST

FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY

With the support from APEC Party-List and in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), ANTECO implemented the Pantawid Liwanag Program on September 29. Through this program, 317 member-consumer-owner s were provided with financial aid amounting to Php 3,000 as assistance for their electricity bills and daily expenses.

On August 29, 2021, the Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DIELCO) celebrated its 31st Founding Anniversary. The celebration started with a motorcade participated by the PNP and LTO personnel, member-consumer-owners (MCOs), and DIELCO employees. It was followed by a ANTECO, in partnership with the Thanksgiving Mass in gratitude for all the blessings Department of Agriculture, launched received. the Kadiwa Ni Ani at Kita on May 19.

Through this program, the farmers Also part of the activities were the "Share-a-Light" and micro, small and medium and the distribution of grocery items to the less fortunate member-consumer-owners. enterprises (MSMEs) in the province are given the opportunity to market Aside from these, DIELCO also has been their products every month at the continuously providing free hou se wiring material s ANTECO MCO Center Gymnasium. and conducting free house wiring installation to those The farmers and MSMEs are who do not yet have an electricity service connection. provided with space, tables, and Through this program, DIELCO bring s smiles and hope to the people of Dinagat Island. The happy faces chairs for free which they can use to from the beneficiaries, in return, inspire the DIELCO display and sell their products. employees and fuel their passion to efficiently serve their MCOs. This is reflected in the achievements and Through these programs and with excellent performanc e of the electric cooperative the help of government agencies and throughout the years. the Power Bloc, ANTECO is able to With the continued success, DIELCO is motivated help its member-consumer-owner s and committed to provide quality service and help its face the challenges brought about by member-consumer-owners, especially during this the pandemic. time of pandemic.

GUIMELCO ENERGIZES HOMES, HELPS COMMUNITIES -

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participate in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects of the cooperative.

Further, GUIMELC0 s very own MCO Building was successfully constructed within its compound in JuJy through the assistance of the APEC Party-List. This building is intended to be the venue for the meetings, assemblies, and other activities for the member-consumer-owners.

True to its mission of fostering sustainable development and improving the quality of life of Guimarasnons, GUIMELCO remains committed to providing quality service to its member-consumer-owners through its projects and programs.

Earlier this year, GUIMELCO energized nine (9) hou sehold s benefiting 120 member-consumer-owner s through the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP).

Moreover, GUIMELCO has mobilized MCO Organizations to be an arm in its pursuit of rural electrification and community development. These organizations assist in member ship sanitation and distribution of disconnection notices. They also actively

GUIMELCO also implemented the "Pantawid Liwanag Program 4" through the assistance of APEC Party-List and in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Through this program, 316 member-consumer-owners were given cash assistance as electricity bill subsidy and as an aid in their daily expenses. Also, GUIMELCO launched the "Brigada Eskwela" wherein alcohol and school supplies were donated to 21 schools in the franchise area.

Through these programs, GUIMELCO is able to empower its member-consumer-owners and show them that their cooperative is their active partner in sustainable rural development. Amidst the pandemic, GUIMELCO exemplifies that # atGUIMELCOweAreOne.

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ECUPDATES•

* 62 principally authored measures 23 HOUSE BILLS 39 HOUSE RESOLUTIONS

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Bill app roved by the TWG ~ HB 471: An Act Establishing The Lineman Training Academy Of The Philippines

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RA No.11552 was passed in to law Republic Act No. 1152 extends the implementation of the Lifeline rate until 2051.

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Bills approved on third readin g HB 8203: An Act Promoting The Use Of Microgrid Systems To Accelerate The Total Electrification Of Unserved And Underserved Areas Nationwide HB 9489: An Act Proclaiming The First Monday Of August Every Year As Linem en Appreciation Day HB 9524: An Act Providing For Mandatory Insuranc e Cov erag e And Benefits For AU Line Workers

Bills approved by the committee

Adopted as House Resolution * HR 0213 : Resolution Urging The NEA-BOA To Strictly Adhere To And Comply With The Provisions Of the NEA Memorandum On The Selection Of General Manag ers Of Electric Cooperatives, Particularly On The Case Of The BENECO

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Priority bills pending with Uie Committee on Energy HB 3248: An Act Exempting the Sale Of Electricity by Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution Companies, Particularly Non-Stock Non-Profit Electric Cooperatives, from the Imposition Of Value- Added Tax HB 8785: An Act Strengthening the Practice Of Electrical Engineering in the Philippines And Instituting for the Purpose Higher Standards of Regulation in the Licensing and Registration of Electrical Engineering Practitioners HB 9733: An Act Mandating the Government To Construct, Operate, and Maintain Power Generating Assets To Ensure Grid

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HB 6060: An Act Expanding The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program HB 8786: An Act Providing for the National Policy and Framework for Energy Advocacy through the Creation of the Energy Counsel Office

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Resolution approved

by the committee HR 881: A Resolution Calling Upon The House Committee On Energy To Create An - 0 vers1g. · ht Subcommittee On Total Rural Electrification

- from your One EC-MCO Movement Family ¥