Celebrating Women’s Empowerment: A Tribute to Milestones and Progress

In 2015, the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) produced a special rendition of the Philippine National Anthem to recognize and amplify the invaluable contributions of women in all spheres of Philippine society. This version aimed to raise awareness of the pivotal roles women play in shaping the nation—whether in leadership, politics, advocacy, or everyday heroism. bit.ly/4inr9IX

As we approach the 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration, we honor not only the progress made but also the enduring fight for gender equality. This year marks several historic milestones in the pursuit of women’s empowerment in the Philippines and beyond:

  • 50th Anniversary of the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) – Half a century of championing gender-responsive policies and programs.
  • 30th Anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) – A global blueprint for women’s rights and equality.
  • 45th Year of the Philippines’ Ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) – A commitment to eliminating gender-based discrimination.
  • 30 Years of the Gender and Development (GAD) Budget Policy – A financial framework under RA 7845 ensuring gender mainstreaming in governance.
  • The Culmination of the 30-Year Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (PPGD) – A strategic roadmap guiding national efforts toward inclusive growth and women’s empowerment.

These milestones reaffirm the Philippines’ unwavering dedication to fostering a just and equal society—where every woman and girl has the opportunity to thrive. As we celebrate National Women’s Month 2025, we renew our collective resolve to uphold women’s rights, break barriers, and build a future where gender equality is not just a goal, but a reality

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.

BUILDING OFFICIALS, MUNICIPAL ENGINEERS CONVENE FOR ELECTION PREPARATIONS

Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental – In anticipation of the 2025 National and Local Elections, MORESCO-1 gathered Building Officials and Municipal Engineers today, February 19, 2025, for a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply and proper precinct preparations. The event took place at the MORESCO-1 New Board Room, bringing together key stakeholders to align on critical concerns related to election infrastructure and electrical safety.

The discussion revolved around four key agenda points:

  • Power Supply Requirement and Precincts Preparation – Assessing the electricity needs of polling centers and identifying measures to prevent disruptions.
  • Anti-Obstruction Law (RA 11361) Refresher – Reinforcing compliance with regulations to safeguard electric power lines from obstructions.
  • Issuance of Occupancy Permits – Clarifying the role of local engineers in facilitating power connection requirements.
  • Other Matters – Addressing additional concerns to enhance collaboration between local government units and MORESCO-1.

Ms. Edna S. Putian – Diango JD, MORESCO-1’s Institutional Services Department Manager emphasized the importance of early coordination to guarantee stable electricity during the elections. The cooperative and participating officials explored strategies to mitigate power outages, streamline permitting processes, and uphold safety standards in electoral precincts.

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, the discussions underscored the need for proactive planning and strong inter-agency cooperation to uphold the integrity and efficiency of the electoral process.