The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has urged electric cooperatives (ECs) across the country to be “catalysts of progress,” by stepping up as leaders in delivering lasting solutions to the nation’s rural power challenges. 

Speaking before delegates of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) during the 2025 NEA-EC Convergence in Bacolod City, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said cooperatives must aim to be better than “just good enough” in providing electricity to their member-consumer-owners.

“There will be no progress if we don’t find a way to make it happen,” Almeda said. “We must always be thinking about how we can be better, how we can improve, and how we can deliver reliable and quality power in our areas.”

The NEA chief cited that the rural electrification sector has reached a “transformative stage,” referring to Malacañang’s recent recognition of efforts to address power supply problems in island provinces such as Siquijor. He called on EC general managers and directors to maintain the momentum as the government works to resolve recurring energy issues.

“Our partnership—PHILRECA and NEA—we are one,” he said. “Let us stay together because we are a force to be reckoned with.”

Almeda also emphasized that his work as administrator is driven by service, not position. He added that his personal measure of success is seeing rural communities thrive because of improved electricity access.

“My only consolation is that someday, when I return to your communities, I can see that you have become progressive because you were able to deliver the electricity your people rightfully deserve,” he said. “Even if we meet on the street, just having coffee like everyone else, I can look you in the eye knowing that I… wholeheartedly helped and served you with honesty and to the best of my ability.”

The NEA-EC Convergence, held in partnership with PHILRECA, gathers electric cooperatives from across the country to align strategies, exchange best practices, and strengthen their role in advancing inclusive development through rural electrification.

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