P-Noy creates Mindanao power-monitoring committee

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THURSDAY, 02 AUGUST 2012 19:32 MIA M. GONZALEZ / REPORTER

PRESIDENT Aquino has approved the creation of a monitoring body to improve the power situation in Mindanao, Malacañang announced on Thursday.

Through Executive Order 81, Mr. Aquino created the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) to facilitate all initiatives aimed at improving the energy supply in Mindanao.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said in a statement that under EO 81 the coordinating body will monitor, harmonize and integrate recommendations to address the concerns of the Mindanao power industry sector.

“The President approved the formation of the MPMC since there is a need for a team or a body that will study the feasibility of recommendations to address the power situation in Mindanao. It will ensure that coordination and monitoring are in place to better the power situation in Mindanao,” Ochoa said.

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), will oversee the MPMC.

Other members of the MPMC are the Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission, the National Electrification Administration, National Power Corp. and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

Representatives from the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives are enjoined to become MPMC members.

Mr. Aquino directed the MPMC to develop a database on pertinent information regarding the power sector in Mindanao, assess the energy situation in the region and evaluate the viability of the recommendations put forward following the Mindanao power summit, among others.

Ochoa said initial funding for MPMC will come from the contingent fund and other sources that may be determined by the Department of Budget and Management; its subsequent budget will be incorporated in the regular appropriation for MinDA.

Meanwhile, the President informed members of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (Philreca) that by year-end, a total of 6,007 more sites in remote areas in the country would enjoy power supply.

Speaking at Philreca’s 33rd Annual General Membership Meeting the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City, Mr. Aquino said that from October 2011 to July of this year, 2,400 more sitios have already been electrified.

The President also used the occasion to warn those in the National Electrification Administration of electric cooperatives who plan to use their position for unlawful ends.

“Sa mga nagbabalak na umabuso at mangotong sa pwesto, syempre, may babala po para sa inyo. Kami mismo ni Secretary Almendras ang mamumuno sa pagbabantay at pagpapanagot sa sinumang opisyal at kawani ng National Electrification Administration o ng kooperatiba na mapapatunayang sangkot sa anumang anomalya,” he said.

Mr. Aquino said there had been instances when politics had “tainted” the election of the board of directors of some electric cooperatives “so instead of serving the people, the cooperatives are used to bolster their chances during elections.”

“Oras na maipatupad ang NEA Reform Bill, hindi na maikakalag sa usaping politikal ang mga kooperatiba. Dahil ipagbabawal nang maging kasapi ng board of directors ang mga kapamilya o kamag-anak ng mga nahalal o nahirang na opisyal ng pamahalaan,” he said.    source