MCO EMPOWERMENT
MCO empowerment program continues to takeoff since its inception in 2019 thru the following programs and activities:
- BILECO conducted MCO re-organization in each barangay thru Barangayan where new sets of officers were elected and crucial topics discussed.
- MCOs actively took part in the EC-wideregular district election for the position of Board of Directors of BILECO. New BOD representatives were elected in the districts of Almeria, Caibiran, Culaba and Naval, while incumbents in other districts retain. Biliran district, with opposing candidates, recorded the highest turn-out of votes at 35%.
- About 5,600 MCOs, or 14% of the billed customers, have attended the Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) held thru face to face and virtual platform via Facebook Live.
- BILECO held meetings and dialogues with its allied organizations, such as the B-EMPOWER, MSEAC, BAPA, and the accredited barangay electricians. They are BILECO’s strong allies in channeling information down to the MCOs, and active partner in achieving the corporate goals and objectives.
- ALIPDWA, a local association in Almeria, was the first recipient of BILECO’s livelihood program. The aim of this program is to help in the economic alleviation and improvement of the quality of life of indigent MCOs.
- BILECO tapped with TESDA-CNSAT to provide free five-day training on Electrical Installation of CCTV and Fire Detection and Alarm System for its barangay electricians. It has also shouldered the assessment fee of around 40 electricians.
CAPACITATING THE WORKFORCE
In line with Mental Health Awareness Month celebration, BILECO conducted a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training to all employees to equip them with practical knowledge how to deal and assist in a healthy recovery of persons who experienced traumatic events, disasters or severe crisis.
Also, BILECO spearheaded a Refresher Course on Good Customer Service, recognizing the importance of customers in the viability and growth of ECs. It reminded the employees how to deal with customers with courtesy, honesty, respect and enthusiasm.
Likewise, to ensure safety in the workplace and employees, BILECO initiated a random drug testing to its employees, which rendered a zero-positive result.
Other trainings and seminars organized by local, regional and national agencies or associations such as NEA, PHILRECA, DOE and ERC were likewise attended for personal and professional advancement.
ELECTRIFICATION PROGRAM
BILECO continued to fulfill its mandate by lighting the remaining unenergized communities in the province. Four sitios were energized under the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP), namely: Sitio Puntod, Sitio Lawaan, Sitio Ligating and Sitio Haropohop benefitting more than 60 households. BILECO also funded the electrification project to Sitio Bagongbong in Caucab, Almeria with over 20 beneficiaries.
Two (2) housing projects of the National Housing Authority were energized this year: the Villa El Blanco in Brgy. Jamorawon, Almeria and the Cool Mont Crest in Brgy. Villa Caneja, Naval, with nearly 800 units lighted.
To accelerate electrification, BILECO initiated the Pailaw Program also dubbed ‘Light Now, Pay Later’ fashioned for indigent households. Around 1,000 households have availed of the program to date.
SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT
BILECO has energized the 3.15 MVA transformer in Brgy. San Roque, Biliran, in anticipation to the rising demand of power next year. BILECO has forecasted economic boom with the cessation of COVID-19 pandemic. Commercial establishments are signifying intent to expand their businesses in the province, and government infrastructures are on the rise.
Other improvements implemented include the reconductoring from Brgy. Baso to Salawad, Cabucgayan, installation of 3 units AVR for power quality improvement, replacement of bare with insulated wires in highly vegetated areas, upgrading of secondary to primary lines and automation of circuit reclosers for easy monitoring and controlling.
WARRIORS OF LIGHT
BILECO, together with 120 ECs nationwide, have celebrated the National Linemen Appreciation Day in recognition to the courage, contribution and sacrifices of all warriors of light. Mr. Juanito Garcia, Jr. of BILECO was one of Region 8’s awardees of the 2022 Gawad Parangal Para sa Natatanging Linemen conferred by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA).
BILECO warriors were also among the dynamic participants to the task force kapatid in LEYECO IV and SOLECO after Typhoon Odette ravaged the area. The task force helped in the power restoration and rehabilitation activities.
OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
In consonance with DENR-EMB R8 MOA, BILECO successfully conducted clean-up drive at Sambulawan Creek in Brgy. Caraycaray, Naval.
In participation with the 2022 National Electrification Administration-Electric Cooperatives (NEA-ECs) simultaneous tree planting and line clearing, BILECO planted 300 assorted seedlings in coordination with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Biliran at Sitio Magtaran-an, Brgy. Talustusan, Naval on August 26.
BILECO and DSWD spearheaded the provision of cash assistance to selected indigent MCOs thru Pantawid Liwang Program (PLP) 5 funded by the Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) Party-list. Over 800 MCOs in the province have benefitted from the said program since it started in 2020.
The year ended with sharing and thanksgiving in Sitio Cabungasan thru BILECO’s first ever Pasko Fiesta sa Nayon. Over 40 households received grocery packs and used clothes. They also enjoyed the modest meal, parlor games and surprises prepared for them.
IEC INITIATIVES
When power rates skyrocketed, BILECO faced attacks from MCOs. In response, the Coop conducted massive information drive to minimize and counter the bashing.
BILECO attended the Sangguniang Panlalawigan hearing and Sangguniang Bayan (SB) sessions to explain the cause and action plans taken. Also, BILECO requested attendance to barangay assemblies to relay the message down to household level. Likewise, the management conducted Energy summit for its allied organizations called for the same purpose. Other IEC materials, such as leaflets, AVPs, social media posts and press releases, all help accomplish the goal.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Despite countless hurdles, BILECO capped the year with an overwhelming triumph evidenced by several awards obtained for its 2021 operational performance.
BILECO bagged seven (7) accolades during the Golden Dagitab Awards of the National Electrification Administration, which include Outstanding EC and one of the Best Regions of the Year.
Likewise, PHILRECA conferred 13 awards to BILECO for exemplifying remarkable service in various areas and maintaining its Triple A (AAA) categorization.
BILECO will continue to strive for excellence and keep its mantra, “We serve because we care,” aflame.
