Capitol signs MOA with CEBECO II

CEBU, Philippines — To ensure steady and efficient power supply to Malapascua Island in the northern town of Daanbantayan, a memorandum of agreement was entered into by the Cebu Provincial Government and the Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO II) over the weekend.

CEBECO II assumes the responsibility of power distribution from Powersource Philippines, Inc. (PSPI) whose contract was terminated earlier this month due to several complaints from the consumers because of the company’s failure to provide enough supply of electricity affecting the economic activities on the island.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said the signing of the MOA would end the power shortage that residents and tourists have endured for years.

“Sukad ko nilingkod, gihimo ko na nga dako kaayong tulubagon ma-imprastraktura man, dalan, mga programa sa atong BHW, atong mga estudyante. Ang akong insistence kanunay:

only the best for the Cebuanos because the Cebuanos deserve the best. To paraphrase, only the best for Malapascua,” Garcia said.

The agreement binds the Capitol to ensure that the generation facilities are maintained in optimal condition at all times, and ensure the continuous supply of electricity to residents and businesses. CEBECO II, on the other hand, is obliged to maintain in good working order the distribution facilities, including poles, wires, transformers, and household meters.

Garcia appealed to the residents on the island to be more patient while the Capitol has yet to complete the legal requirements in order to fully operate as power provider. The governor said that with the blessing of Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Raphael Lotilla, the requirements could be complied with as early as next week.

Amid fears that electricity rate will shoot up, Garcia explained that the Capitol did not intervene to make profits but to provide much-needed public service.

“Wala mi nianhi para magnegosyo. Dili mi mohimo og mga lakang aron mi makaganansya ninyo,” said Garcia.

“Kana nga maong kuryente, presyohan na nato sa pamaagi nga dili kamo pod ang magbaguod. Pangitaan gyod na natog paagi nga fair and equitable ang presyo. Kana ray akong ikasaad ninyo,” she added.

In a report by Sugbo News, Capitol’s official media arm, Cebu Province will provide complete generator sets sufficient to supply the needed electricity to residents and businesses on the island.

The Capitol delivered four generator sets with combined capacity of 2 megawatts to accommodate the peak demand of the island at 1.5 megawatts.

The MOA signing was witnessed by Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, DOE representative Atty. Elmer Tasong, National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) Visayas head

Timoteo Diacor, and Malapascua Business Association president Anna Reed. —/FPL (FREEMAN)