81 electric cooperatives (ECs) across the country have maintained their ‘AAA’ category status in the latest performance assessment by the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

The recognition was announced last Aug 9 during the 2025 NEA Lumens Awards which capped the NEA-EC Convergence held in the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City. 

Central Visayas led the list of high-performing regions with 10 ‘AAA’-rated ECs, followed by Caraga with 7, and then Calabarzon with 5. Based on its 2024 evaluation, NEA reported that 39 ECs achieved a perfect score. This includes all the non-profit power distributors in Bohol, Cagayan, Cebu, and Iloilo.

Eight ECs were also recognized for their performance improvements. Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO 2) and First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FIBECO) were cited for moving from Category ‘B’ to ‘AA’.

Three ECs received the Best EC award in their respective size classifications. These were: Nueva Ecija II Area 1 Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NEECO 2-A1), Siargao Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO), and Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DIELCO).

The Best General Manager Award was presented to GM Virgilio “Jomoy” Fortich, Jr. of Cebu III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEBECO 3). NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda commended Fortich for his leadership not only in CEBECO 3 but also in other cooperatives he currently assists.

The Lumens Awards are part of NEA’s founding anniversary celebrations and aim to recognize outstanding performance and leadership in the country’s rural electrification sector.

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