Aboitiz firm powers Cebu communities

Manila Bulletin 
By Myrna M. Velasco 
Published: July 16, 2013 Access to electricity service is part of the ‘social contract’ that binds project developers and servicing power utilities with their host communities – and it is a commitment being realized by the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) with the recent launch of its electrification project at its extended service area in Naga City, Cebu.
VECO noted that as the franchised utility servicing the area; it “initiated the implementation of the project” – but funding will be funneled mainly by Aboitiz Power – with contributions from East Asia Utilities Corporation (EAUC) and Cebu Private Power Corporation, which are of the Aboitiz Power-Vivant group and El Paso Philippines Energy Co. Inc.
VECO is the country’s second biggest distribution utility and it is a joint venture between Aboitiz Power and Vivant Corporation.
The Department of Energy (DOE) approved the electrification of 22 sitios and 410 households in the area.
This undertaking is in line with the mandate of Energy Regulations No. 1-94 (ER1-94) set out via a trust fund administered by the DOE. It fundamentally requires “power generation companies to provide financial benefits to (their) host communities by setting aside one centavo per kWh (P0.01/kWh) of their total gross electricity sales to fund rural electrification,” and those relating to development and livelihood, reforestation and watershed management; as well as health and environmental enhancement projects.
At the project’s ceremonial switch-on, Danel C. Aboitiz, assistant vice president for special projects and business systems management of Aboitiz Power, remarked that “ultimately, this is the result of a shared vision of improving the quality of life of our host communities.”
He further enthused “the company has been here in the Visayas region for more than 100 years, and we want to continue to be part of its future growth.”
The group’s long-term investments in both power generation and distribution in the area, Aboitiz said, “are a testament to our commitment to be part of the economic development of the region,” coming alongside commitments “to support this growth by providing reliable, reasonably-priced and responsible power supply wherever possible.”
He also told their host community that “it is essential for the business sector to support our government in implementing social development projects for our countrymen. And through the relationship that we have established with you, we hope to be of more assistance to you in the coming years as your neighbor of choice.”
Looking forward to the project’s completion, Barangay councilor Calixto Patag indicated the social benefits they can reap from the project, including a better “study environment” for their kids which have gotten used to doing these activities “in darkness” because of their lack of electricity access.
The ceremonial switch-on was also graced by Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong, DOE Visayas Region director Antonio E. Labios, EAUC chief operating officer Roger Q. Lim and VECO chief operating officer Sebastian R. Lacson.  source