September 2, 2025 | Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental — MORESCO-1 paid tribute to its long-serving Board President, Dr. Nonito Magdale Labis, DVM, whose 12-year stewardship has been marked by innovation, stability, and advocacy for the advancement of the electric cooperative sector in Northern Mindanao and beyond.
Elected as Director of District 7–Laguindingan in September 2013, Dr. Labis served two consecutive terms as MORESCO-1 Board President, guiding the cooperative through a dynamic period of industry challenges and growth. His leadership was characterized by a strong emphasis on sustainability, future-proofing, and community empowerment, ensuring that the cooperative remained resilient while keeping the needs of its member-consumers at the core of its mission.
Beyond MORESCO-1, Dr. Labis has played a significant role in the broader cooperative movement. He was elected President of the Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperatives Association (NORMECA), where he strengthened collaboration among coops in the region. His influence expanded nationally when he became a member of the Board of Directors of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association (PHILRECA), actively contributing to policy directions that shaped the rural electrification program.
In 2022, Dr. Labis was elected to the Board of Directors of the Rural Electrification Financing Corporation (REFC), further advancing financing opportunities to support the long-term viability of electric cooperatives. He also served as Treasurer of the Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO), where his stewardship helped amplify the voice of Mindanao coops in national discussions.
Colleagues and partners remember him not only as a leader, but as a steady presence known for his humility, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to service. Affectionately called “President Nito,” he has been regarded as a unifying figure whose guidance has left a lasting imprint on the cooperative movement.
“Your distinguished record of leadership and strategic foresight has shaped not only MORESCO-1, but also the national landscape of rural electrification,” shared Engr. Collen B. Tarcelo, PEE, MORESCO-1 General Manager. “Your direction has driven innovation and resilience, creating a legacy of growth and empowerment for the communities we serve.”
While September 1, 2025, marked his official retirement, the occasion was less an ending and more a recognition of an enduring legacy. His years of service will continue to inspire MORESCO-1 and its member-consumers, as well as the organizations he has helped strengthen throughout his career.
MORESCO-1 celebrates Dr. Nonito M. Labis, whose 12-year leadership journey will be remembered as a period of progress, collaboration, and community-centered innovation in the power industry.