PHILRECA and Philippine Electric Cooperatives Engage in Global Energy Dialogue at the 2025 NRECA PowerXchange

Atlanta, Georgia, USA – March 10, 2025 – The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) officially launched the 2025 NRECA PowerXchange, bringing together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from the electric cooperative sector under the theme “Inspired.” This annual gathering serves as a premier platform for discussions on the evolving landscape of rural electrification, innovative energy solutions, and the future of cooperative leadership.

The opening General Session featured an insightful keynote address by NRECA CEO Jim Matheson, who set the tone for the event by reflecting on the enduring impact of rural electrification initiatives. He emphasized the importance of forward-thinking leadership, strategic energy planning, and the collaborative efforts required to navigate the increasing global demand for reliable and sustainable energy.

Adding an entrepreneurial perspective to the session, Daymond John, business mogul and star of ABC’s Shark Tank, captivated the audience with an inspiring keynote on adaptability, innovation, and resilience in an era of rapid technological transformation. His message resonated strongly with cooperative leaders, reinforcing the need for continuous evolution in the energy sector.

Strengthening International CollaborationA key highlight of the event was the International Luncheon, which facilitated networking and knowledge exchange among NRECA’s global partners, including representatives from PHILRECA and Philippine electric cooperatives. During this session, NRECA International Senior Vice President Dan Waddle provided updates on ongoing international electrification projects and reaffirmed NRECA’s dedication to empowering underserved communities worldwide.

Reinforcing this commitment, CoBank announced a generous $250,000 donation to NRECA International, further bolstering efforts to extend electricity access to remote and underdeveloped areas.

CUTTING-EDGE DISCUSSIONS AND BREAKOUT SESSIONS

The PowerXchange featured a dynamic lineup of breakout sessions covering key industry topics, including:

THE FUTURE OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES – Strategic planning and innovation in the face of evolving energy needs.

MAXIMIZING COOPERATIVE VALUE – Enhancing service delivery and optimizing member engagement.

ADDRESSING RISING ENERGY DEMAND – Solutions to meet increasing consumption while ensuring sustainability.

LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE ENERGY SECTOR – Exploring AI-driven technologies to enhance efficiency and reliability.

PHILIPPINE DELEGATION’S ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

With the active involvement of PHILRECA, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and representatives from Philippine electric cooperatives, the 2025 NRECA PowerXchange underscored the significance of global collaboration in shaping the future of rural electrification. The event provided an invaluable platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and fostering partnerships that will drive the continued success of electric cooperatives worldwide.

As the energy sector navigates unprecedented challenges and opportunities, the insights and strategies exchanged at the 2025 NRECA PowerXchange will undoubtedly empower cooperative leaders to champion innovation, resilience, and sustainability in their respective regions.

(Representing MORESCO-1 is Board President Nonito M. Labis, DVM and ISD Manager Edna S. Putian- Diango who also represented MORESCO-2 as its concurrent Acting General Manager, with MORESCO-2 Board President Rodulfo Cezar P. Olano. )

MORESCO-1 Hosts “Kulokabildo” with APEC Partylist Representative Cong. Sergio ‘Daggy’ Dagooc

Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental – February 25, 2025 – The Misamis Oriental I Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO-1) successfully hosted “Kulokabildo sa MORESCO-1: Conversations with Cong. Daggy”—a meaningful dialogue between electric cooperative Member-Consumer-Owners (MCO), leaders, employees, and APEC Partylist Representative and Assistant Minority Leader, Hon. Sergio “Daggy” Dagooc.

The event, held at the MORESCO-1 Covered Court, brought together members of the Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperatives Association (NORMECA), key stakeholders, and MORESCO-1 employees to engage in discussions on pressing issues and legislative efforts shaping the energy sector.

Welcoming all guests, MORESCO-1’s vice president of the Board of Directors, Naawan’s Director Joy Gil Sa. Mahinay delivered the Opening Remarks, emphasizing the critical role of the power block in the legislation and of electric cooperatives in delivering sustainable and reliable power to communities.

A highlight of the event was the keynote speech of Cong. Sergio “Daggy” Dagooc, who detailed APEC Partylist’s ongoing initiatives, legislative advocacies, and strategic plans to strengthen electric cooperatives. He underscored the importance of supporting cooperative-led energy solutions, protecting consumer interests, and ensuring equitable energy distribution.

“Electric cooperatives are the backbone of rural electrification. Our commitment at APEC is to uphold their integrity, ensure their viability, and fight for policies that empower consumers,” Cong. Dagooc stated.

An interactive “Kulokabildo” Open Forum followed, allowing attendees to raise their concerns, share feedback, and discuss sectoral issues directly with Cong. Dagooc. Employees, community leaders, and stakeholders actively participated in the dialogue, voicing challenges in power supply, regulatory concerns, and the future of renewable energy adoption.

Cong. Dagooc addressed each concern, reaffirming APEC Partylist’s commitment to pushing for legislative reforms that will enhance the efficiency and sustainability of electric cooperatives.

In his Solidarity Message, MORESCO-1 Acting General Manager, Engr. Jovel B. Ubay-ubay, expressed gratitude for Cong. Dagooc’s steadfast support and underscored the importance of continued collaboration between electric cooperatives and policymakers.

The evening concluded with a Solidarity Mass Dance led by M1 PowerDance, symbolizing unity and shared commitment to energy advocacy, featuring entertainment from M1 PowerBand and photo opportunities with key stakeholders and guests.

Strengthening the Future of Electric Cooperatives

“Kulokabildo sa MORESCO-1” served as a platform for meaningful dialogue, bridging the gap between policymakers and the energy sector’s grassroots stakeholders. Through events like this, MORESCO-1 continues to empower communities, foster collaboration, and champion the interests of electric cooperatives in Northern Mindanao.

With APEC Partylist leading the charge in Congress, the future of sustainable and consumer-centered electrification remains bright, ensuring that no community is left behind in the country’s pursuit of energy development.

MORESCO-1 to Hold This Year’s Flagship Event: BLF 2024 on December 4

Following the success of MORESCO-1’s Big Loads Forum on November 29, 2022, and the highly engaging LGU Energy Forum on January 17, 2023, participant feedback highlighted both events as insightful, informative, and comprehensible. When surveyed, attendees unanimously supported the idea of making these forums an annual event—a testament to their significant value.

The BLF 2024 will address pressing issues and emerging trends within the energy sector, delivering comprehensive updates for both high and low voltage consumers (HV/LV) within MORESCO-1’s franchise area. Attendees can expect in-depth discussions covering the Power Supply Outlook, Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), Net Metering, the Green Energy Option Program, MORESCO-1’s strategic future-proofing initiatives, and the bill deposit mechanism, among others. This forum aims to bolster the cooperative’s role as a trailblazer by fostering partnerships and promoting meaningful collaboration.

The event will also honor our valued big load partners, expressing heartfelt gratitude for their exemplary commitment and outstanding contributions to MORESCO-1. Their timely, consistent, and punctual payments for energy consumption have been instrumental to the cooperative’s continued success. This unwavering dedication not only drives operational efficiency but also fortifies MORESCO-1’s standing as one of the nation’s top-performing electric cooperatives.

Key resource speakers for the event include MORESCO-1’s Engineering Services Manager, Collen B. Tarcelo; Corporate Planning Manager, Joni Jane F. Cabantac; Manticao Service Area Manager, Jogiepril D. Legaspi; with a keynote address by Acting General Manager, Jovel B. Ubay-Ubay.

Additionally, a dedicated Energy Forum tailored for local government units and their Municipal Councils will be scheduled shortly after the BLF 2024.

This flagship event is spearheaded by the Institutional Services Department (ISD), with the Member Customer Development Chief and the Corporate Public Relations Office at the forefront, in collaboration with Corporate Planning, Engineering Services, the Management Committee, and the Service Area Offices in Talakag, Opol, Laguindingan, and Manticao.

 (Archibald G. Pacana, CPRO)