Electric cooperatives from Northern Mindanao, including FIBECO, MORESCO-I, MORESCO-II, BUSECO, LANECO, MOELCI-I, MOELCI-II, and CAMELCO, will convene for an Orientation and Briefing on Joint Ventures with Embedded Generation on Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Eaton Hall, Mallberry Suites and Business Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City . The event, to be hosted by the Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperatives Association (NORMECA), aimed to equip the Board of Directors and management teams with the knowledge needed to explore joint ventures and renewable energy opportunities.

The rationale behind the coming activity highlights the coops’ focus on distribution, with limited expertise in managing generation-related ventures. To address this gap, the orientation will provide insights into the legal and technical aspects of joint ventures and renewable energy development, to be facilitated by the expertise of TERRED.

A comprehensive session on Renewable Energy Development and Green Financing for Electric Cooperatives, will be led by Engr. Ray Vincent B. Manzano, and a discussion on Photovoltaic Modules and Solar Home Systems (PVM/SHS), will be presented by Engr. Chyrenor A. Javier.

This orientation emphasizes the importance of active participation from the Board of Directors, who play a critical role as the Head of the Procuring Entity and decision-makers. With joint ventures and renewable energy projects poised to strengthen the sustainability of electric cooperatives, the event will serve as a vital platform for capacity building and informed decision-making. (Archibald Pacana, NORMECA Lead Secretariat)