Various units power distribution equipment will be given next week to six power cooperatives in the power region to help them enhance their operations.
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) with the Japan Cooperation Agency (JICA) will lead the turnover ceremony of the said equipment and materials on April 10.
The recipients of the power distribution equipment are: the Basilan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Baselco), Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Lasureco), Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Magelco), Siasi Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Siaselco), Sulu Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Suleco), and Tawi- Tawi Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Tawelco).
The equipment provided by the JICA is part of the grant amounting to 771-million yen extended by the Japanese government to the Philippine government. The project’s target is to better the power distribution system in the Bangsamoro region.
“The rehabilitation of power distribution system of six electric cooperatives in Mindanao is a much awaited project, as this will primarily benefit the member-consumer-owners (MCOs) of the ECs in the region,” NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong said.
“We expect these equipment to help improve in the operational efficiency of the beneficiary ECs. We thank JICA for its support to the Philippine government’s electrification program and for promoting development in the Bangsamoro region,” the NEA chief added.
Masongsong expressed his gratitude to both the Philippine government and the Japanese governemnt for cooperating assisting in its commitment to support socio-economic development in Mindanao.
In April last year, the NEA and the Japanese firm Nishizawa Limited signed a contract for the procurement of equipment and materials for the rehabilitation o the power distribution system of the operating ECs in Mindanao.
JICA is in charge of the implementation of training on handling of insulated wire and operation of training of the boom trucks.
Once the equipment are completely installed, the project will aid in the improvement of the six ECs.
Based on the NEA data, around 12, 877, 657 electricity consumers have been reached across the country, as of January 31, 2019.
