National Electrification Administration (NEA) chief Edgardo Masongsong has encouraged electricity consumers, especially those living in rural and remote areas of the country, to make use of the opportunities offered by electricity to improve their lives.
Masongsong said this during the 37th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) of Leyte IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Leyeco IV) themed “Strengthening Ties for Progress and Rural Development,” on November 25 in Hilongos, Leyte. The activity gathered nearly 10,000 member-consumer-owners (MCOs) of the coop.
In his message, the NEA chief highlighted the significant role that electricity plays in achieving sustainable development, particularly in rural communities. Thus, he urged the MCOs to take full advantage and optimize the availability of power services in their area to improve their lot.
Masongsong also emphasized on empowering electricity consumers.
“I am here to advance the cause of MCO empowerment because I believe that an EC’s life expectancy is dependent on its ability to keep itself relevant to its primary and most important stakeholder—the member-consumer-owners,” he said.
Over the years, the NEA chief said, Leyeco IV has been a committed partner of the agency in the implementation of the Rural Electrification Program (REP). The coop was also commended for continually striving for excellence in fulfilling its mandate.
Steered by Board of Directors (BOD) president Emmanuel Golo and general manager Brenda Flores-Ampolitod, Leyeco IV received an overall outstanding performance of AAA in the recent assessment of NEA.
“You are continuing the tradition of excellence in the management of your electric cooperative. This is why I am elated to see former or retired employees, your former general manager and Board president attending your AGMA,” Masongsong said.
Leyeco IV is the distributor of electricity to Baybay City, Hilongos, Bato, Matalom, Hindang and Inopacan. To date, the coop’s household connections reached at 68,197 in its entire coverage area.
On November 24, Masongsong also graced the 13th Foundation Day and 6th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) of Nueva Ecija II Electric Cooperative, Inc. – Area 2 (NEECO II-Area 2). Held in Palayan City Gymnasium, the activity drew 20,013 MCOs in attendance.
Also, NEECO I conducted on the same day its 44th Founding Anniversary and 26th AGMA themed “Sustaining Progress” with the NEA chief as guest speaker. It was attended by 14,180 MCOs or 15.93 percent of the coop’s total membership.