MORESCO-1, DOE, ERC, and DSWD jointly rolled out Lifeline Rate Subsidy Accelerated Registration Caravan in El Salvador City

EL SALVADOR CITY (February 18, 2024). The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) found itself immersed in yet another eventful weekend as it partnered once again with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to conduct informative sessions on the Lifeline Rate subsidy program in Mindanao.

On February 18, 2024, the ERC, DOE, and DSWD convened in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, to extend their Mindanao-wide initiative of information and education campaigns (IECs) regarding the Lifeline program. This endeavor was made possible through the collaborative efforts of these agencies with the local government unit of El Salvador City and the Misamis Oriental I Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO I).

The previous Saturday, February 17, 2024, both beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and non-4Ps beneficiaries participated in the IEC held in Cagayan de Oro City. This event was organized in coordination with the local government of Cagayan de Oro and the Cagayan Electric Power & Light Company, Inc. (CEPALCO).

MORESCO-1 oversaw the Sinaloc leg in El Salvador, with operational support provided by the Institutional Services Department (ISD) Teams, along with assistance from the Laguindingan and Opol Service Area Teams and Customer Welfare Officers. Antonio S. Barcelona, the OIC Chief of the EPIMB-PMDD of the DOE, and Ms. Evelyn Baula, Energy Regulatory Officer II of the ERC Consumer Affairs Service-Mindanao Area Operations, conducted overviews of the Lifeline IRR | RA 11552.

The two (2) Misamis Oriental IECs drew an attendance of around 1,000 participants. The ERC, DOE, and DSWD also brought registration caravans to encourage qualified marginalized end-users (QMEs) to register to the electricity subsidy program and avail its benefits.

MORESCO-1 Hosts Capacity-Building Workshop for Barangay Member-Consumer-Owner Officers (BMCOOs)

February 8, 2024. MORESCO-1 Covered Court, Laguindingan – This time, nearly 250 Barangay MCO Officers, comprising Presidents and Secretaries, participated in a Capacity Building Workshop focusing on Bridging Leadership and Transformational Engagement. Facilitated by Dr. Dixon Yasay, a consultant guiding MORESCO-1’s organizational empowerment journey, the workshop aimed to enhance the skills of barangay leaders and key process owners within MORESCO-1 through innovative and interactive exercises.

Edna S. Putian-Diango, Institutional Services Manager, elucidated the roles of BMCOO and its officers in advancing the aspirations of MCOs from the barangay level up to the electric coop, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the current transformative journey and reimagining the role of MCOs. As bridging leaders, they must reconnect the EC with the MCOs, echoing the original concept of the EC being owned by those it serves. This entails addressing societal divides and inequities by convening MCOs to collaborate on solutions.

Member Customer Development Chief, Rio M. Vallejo, delved into discussions regarding the HeartFund Campaign and its execution, as well as upcoming events like the 2024 Hybrid Sequential Annual General Membership Assembly scheduled from May 2 to 18.

NEA Installs Engr. Jovel Ubay-Ubay, PEE as Acting General Manager for MORESCO-1 During Transition Period

January 3, 2024 – In a strategic move to ensure a smooth transition period and maintain operational efficiency, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has officially appointed Engr. Jovel Ubay-ubay, a licensed Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE), as the Acting General Manager for the Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO-1).

Engineer Ubay-Ubay recently retired from a 38- years of sterling performance as Engineering Manager to General Manager. He held the GM-ship for almost five years in this premier electric cooperative in the country.

The decision comes amid the ongoing process of selecting a new permanent general manager for MORESCO-1. Engr. Ubay-ubay’s appointment is seen as a crucial step to provide stability and leadership during this transitional phase.

Engr. Jovel Ubay-ubay brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having demonstrated outstanding performance in the field of electrical engineering. His background and qualifications position him as a capable leader overseeing the daily operations of MORESCO-1, ensuring that the cooperative continues to provide reliable and efficient electric services to its members.

In attendance, NEA Deputy Administrator for EC Management Services, Atty. Omar M. Mayo mentioned that NEA expressed confidence in Engr. Ubay-ubay’s ability to navigate the challenges faced by MORESCO-1 and maintain a high standard of service delivery. The appointment is expected to facilitate a seamless transition until a permanent general manager is selected through a rigorous and transparent process.

The NEA encourages the cooperative’s employees and stakeholders to extend their full cooperation and support to Engr. Jovel Ubay-ubay during his tenure as Acting General Manager. This collaborative effort is essential to uphold the cooperative’s commitment to providing quality electric services to its members.

The process of selecting a new general manager will be conducted diligently, taking into account the qualifications and leadership qualities required for the role. The NEA reassures the members-consumers-owners (MCOs) of MORESCO-1 that the selection process will be fair, transparent, and by the electric cooperative’s bylaws.

Engr. Jovel Ubay-ubay’s temporary appointment as Acting General Manager marks a significant step in ensuring the continued success and stability of MORESCO-1 during this period of transition. The NEA remains committed to supporting the cooperative in its mission to provide reliable and affordable electric services to the community. (Archibald G. Pacana, Corporate Public Relations Officer)