IOM hopes for progress in livelihood of Marawi’s LAA villages

International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines National Project Officer Luzwellah Diaca hopes that the livelihood packages they have handed over to the villages in the less affected area of Marawi City will be sustained and make progress with time passing by.  (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Following its distribution of community livelihood packages to another ten barangays in the less affected area (LAA) of the city on Thursday, July 28, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines looked forward to seeing a progressive means of living among its recipient communities. 

 

The organization, being one that aimed to extend help to residents of LAA, stressed that they desired nothing but the maintenance of their aid. 

 

“Walang hinihinging kapalit si IOM sa lahat ng ibinibigay natin na livelihood packages [The IOM is not asking for any payment for all the livelihood packages that we have given]. What we are asking from them is really to sustain itong interventions na ibinigay sa kanila [these interventions given to them[ because at the end of the day, sila naman ang magbebenefit nito [they will be benefiting from these],” said IOM Philippines National Project Officer Luzwellah Diaca. 

 

Through its partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the IOM pushed its project called Driving Marawi’s Rehabilitation through IDP Support, Community Development and Peaceful Transitional Action, in which community working groups (CWGs) were established in 72 barangays of the LAA, undergone skills training on effectively managing a business, and later on received livelihood packages of their choice. 

 

Diaca hoped that what their recipient groups learned from their project could be applied to make their localities better.

 

“Maging daan sana ang CWGs at itong ibinigay sa kanila na livelihood para mas may progress pa ang kanilang community. I hope kayanin nila ang challenge na mapalago pa ang ibinigay sa kanila ni IOM,” she said. 

 

[I hope the CWGs and these given livelihoods serve as means so that their communities will have community progress. I hope they will overcome the challenge of nurturing further what was given to them by the IOM.]

 

With the latest handing over of livelihood packages, the IOM has already covered at least 36 barangays in LAA of the city. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Residents in Marawi’s LAA also need support – IOM

Representatives from ten villages in the less affected area of Marawi City are happy after receiving livelihood packages from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The benefactors believe that apart from the city's most affected area, such recipients also need help to recover. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines underscored that apart from the most affected area (MAA) of Marawi, the historic warfare in 2017 has also left residents in the less affected area (LAA) of the city clamoring for support to start anew. 

 

This, as the organization in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) implemented its project named "Driving Marawi’s Rehabilitation through IDP Support, Community Development and Peaceful Transitional Action," distributing community livelihood packages to 72 barangays in LAA.

 

Luzwellah Diaca, the national project officer of the IOM Philippines, stated that since the siege and the conceptualization of the said effort, they have already witnessed numerous interventions centered on 24 barangays in MAA.

 

Noting this, she said they wanted to highlight a lot of displaced residents coming from the LAA who also need help but were receiving less support.

 

“Ang iba ay nakikitira pa rin sa kanilang mga relative at nahihirapan pa rin na bumalik sa kanilang original na katayuan na wala pang Marawi siege. Dahil doon, naisip ng project na ito through IOM in partnership with KOICA na maganda ring bigyan ng support ang IDPs na nandito sa 72 less affected areas,” said Daica. 

 

Notwithstanding their effort aiming for the wellness of residents in LAA, the national project officer stressed that this did not signify that they were not exerting service to the MAA populace as well. 

 

“Hindi ibig sabihin na hindi natin naaabot ang internally displaced persons (IDPs) sa 24 MAA kasi may mga nakatira sa less affected areas pero originally galing din sa 24 MAA katulad ng mga nakatira sa transitory shelters. So, sila ay nagiging member pa rin ng CWGs at tinatawag natin silang IDP representatives,” said Daica. 

 

[This does not mean that we are not reaching out to internally displaced persons in 24 MAA because some are living in the less affected areas but originally from the 24 MAA like those living in transitory shelters. So, they also became members of the CWGs and we are calling them IDP representatives.]

 

Before the handover of livelihood packages, the IOM had accordingly extended support to affected residents in LAA in their return to their respective homes by giving out food, securing their transportation, and coordinating with appropriate partners. 

 

In terms of livelihood, the organization has already aided 36 LAA villages and it looked forward to accommodating the whole area before this year ends. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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IOM hands over livelihood aid to 10 brgys in Marawi’s LAA

Representatives of ten villages in the less affected area of Marawi City sign a document stipulating the formal handover of the International Organization for Migration of livelihood packages to them. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--At least ten more barangays situated in the less affected area (LAA) here received on Thursday, July 28, livelihood assistance from International Organization for Migration (IOM) Philippines in partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

 

Among the benefiting villages were Gadongan and Calocan East which both established grocery stores, Emie Punud and Sagonsongan which opted to have a tarpaulin printing business, and Dulay Proper, Wawalayan Calocan, Lilod Saduc, Pantaon, Tampilong and Ambolong which all aimed for rice trading. 

 

IOM Philippines National Project Officer Luzwellah Diaca said under the project "Driving Marawi’s Rehabilitation through IDP Support, Community Development and Peaceful Transitional Action," her team has been pursuing to provide livelihood aid to residents of 72 villages by giving training and packages to enable them to start their own businesses within their respective communities.

 

“Ang lahat ng 72 less affected areas na ito ay may nakaestablish tayo na mga community working group (CWG). Sila iyong kinacapacitate natin para magmanage ng livelihood na ibinibigay ni IOM in partnership with KOICA. Mayroon silang different livelihood packages na nirequest,” she said. 

 

[We have established community working groups in all 72 less affected areas here. We capacitated them so that they can manage their livelihood from IOM in partnership with KOICA. They have requested different livelihood packages.]

 

Diaca said they commenced their assessment of CWGs in 2020 in which confirmation and validation of members happened alongside the prioritization of the first three preferred businesses per group until they came down with the final and most desired livelihood they wanted to run.

 

After this, the timeline of distribution of packages started with the target communities getting their shares at different moments, depending on the readiness of their physical store and their fulfillment of the conducted training.

 

The International Organization for Migration poses with representatives of the recipient villages situated in the less affected area of Marawi City. This is after the organization formally handed over its livelihood packages to the intended recipients. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Adding up the latest barangay recipients, Diaca said IOM has already handed over livelihood packages to a total of 36 villages in LAA and they hoped to successfully cover the entire area before they conclude their project at the end of this year.

 

“The team is still on the level of finalization, procurement hanggang sa simultaneous na nagreready rin ang ating CWGs in terms of the physical store at pagtatapos ng lahat ng training na ibinigay sa kanila [and the completion of the training set for them]… This is also in timing ng pagtatapos ng overall na project na ito [to the end of this overall project] in partnership with KOICA because we are looking at by the end of this year, December 2022, we will be able to handover all the 72 livelihood packages sa lahat ng barangays [in all the barangays],” she said. 

 

Seeing a positive change brought about by such support, beneficiaries conveyed their sincerest gratitude to the IOM and KOICA.

 

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa IOM at KOICA dahil natraining kami sa livelihood. Hindi lahat ng tao ay nakakasali… Sana may susunod pa at maulit ito,” said Salimah Hadji Ali from Brgy. Dulay Proper.

 

[We are thanking IOM and KOICA because we were able to have training for our livelihood. Not all people could join… I hope there will be more and this will happen again.] (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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LDS spotlights farmers via first livestock, poultry congress

The Provincial Veterinary Office in Lanao del Sur leads the first-ever livestock and poultry congress to gather all farmers from different municipalities and make them learn of the benefits they can avail of. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Going on with the month-long celebration of Lanao del Sur's 63rd founding anniversary, the provincial government here made sure all the euphoria would be felt by all its constituents, particularly farmers.

With the theme, “Innovations and Opportunities in a Healthy Animal Industry Towards a Sustainable Development,” the provincial government through its Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) hosted the first-ever Livestock and Poultry Congress in the province on July 27 to bring together farmers from different municipalities of the province who were not usually reached by government services and be personally introduced to various aid that they could enjoy from various stakeholders. 

 

Gracing the event were some private companies such as Sarimanok Poultry, Fanreluche Enterprises, Inc., Lakpue Drug, Inc. (LDI), and Halal Development Institute of the Philippines (HDIP) as well as line agencies like the National Dairy Authority (NDA), Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg) and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR).

 

“Binibigyan natin ng oportunidad ang mga livestock at poultry farmers natin para makilala nila ang government at private stakeholders natin na makakabigay tulong sa kanilang industriya tulad ng pagmamanukan, pagbabakahan at pagkakambingan,” said Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Al-Hussein Domaot.

 

[We are giving the opportunities to our livestock and poultry farmers so that they would get to know our government and private stakeholders which can give them help in their industry like poultry and livestock.]

Lanao del Sur Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Al-Hussein Domaot states that the provincial government strives for food security which is why they are also initiating the convention of farmers to teach them necessary things which can be applied in nurturing their farms. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

He said the activity tackled relevant services that could be availed, how to make the poultry and livestock industry better and more flourished, and the proper ways how to take care of their animals on the farms. 

Apart from this, Domaot said the provincial government also strived for food security, thus, the perseverance of the PVO to enhance the agricultural sector through teaching the people comprising it. 

 

Seeing a lot of farmers attending the activity, he said they were already planning on conducting it anew in the next Araw ng Lanao del Sur in 2023 as part of their support, particularly to the livestock and poultry sector.

 

Domaot further assured the agricultural populace that the provincial government would continuously provide them with necessary assistance as they all aspire to achieve a better agricultural sector. 

 

“Palaging nakabukas ang mga opisina namin para sa inyong mga gustong katanungan o assistance na gusto ninyong makuha,” he said. 

 

[Our office is always open for your questions or assistance that you would like to have.]

 

The provincial veterinarian detailed that their office had already implemented various efforts and extended health services to municipalities in the province to bolster the agricultural sector. Among those previously conducted were the Veterinary Civic Action Program (VCAP), free rabies vaccine for pets every Monday at the PVO, and mass rabies vaccination in communities with a large number of pets such as the towns of Wao, Malabang, and Balabagan. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Sarimanok Poultry, a private business for poultry, joins the first livestock and poultry congress in the province of Lanao del Sur as a partner tapped by the Provincial Veterinary Office. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

Private company Lakpue Drug, Inc. (LDI) takes part in the first livestock and poultry congress spearheaded by the Provincial Veterinary Office of the province of Lanao del Sur. The enterprise showcases its products for cats, dogs, and other livestock and poultry animals. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Adiong bats for strict enforcement of solid waste regulations

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid "Mujam" Adiong has called for the stricter enforcement of laws and ordinances on solid waste management (SWM).

The vice governor made the call during the 2nd quarter Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council in response to recommendations for incentives to compliant individuals, organizations, barangays, and local government units (LGUs).

He underscored the need to prioritize first the enforcement of regulations and ordinances before incentivizing compliance. 

"Ok siya [ang pagbibigay ng reward], yung nga lang ang problema dyan ay nasasanay tayo palagi na may incentives. Kailangan ba laging magbigay para lang ipatupad ang batas? Enforce muna natin then titingnan natin kung sino yung pinakabest ang practice at strategies," he said noting that the province has passed various ordinances on solid waste.

[It's ok (the giving rewards )but the problem is that we get used to having incentives. Is it always necessary to give just to enforce the law? Let's enforce first then we'll see who has the best practice and strategies.]

Adiong also urged local DRRMs to remind their respective LGUs of their duty under the Republic Act 9003 which provides for a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program.

He emphasized that both the LGUs and the public must support each other in implementing the SWM law and related local ordinances (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao del Sur PDRRMC eyes Gawad Kalasag award

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) is strengthening its ties with DRRM stakeholders as it braces for the Gawad KALASAG (KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan) Award.

LDRRMO III Robroy Adil Macarambon said the PDRRMC has participated in the disaster response tilt before but because of the Marawi siege, the Council's efforts were focused on assistance to the recovery and rehabilitation of the city.

He said Gawad KALASAG is the country's premier annual award for outstanding organizations, institutions, groups, and individuals who have exemplary measures and preparations in disaster prevention and response as well as climate change adaptation programs.

It is also the principal mechanism by which the National DRRMC advances awareness of the best DRRM practices and humanitarian response and action.

Macarambon enjoined provincial department heads and representatives of national agencies to share their best practices and contributions in proving that Lanao del Sur is a resilient province. (APB/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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New IPHO bldg ready to boost health services in Lanao Sur

The new building of the Integrated Provincial Health Office in Lanao del Sur province is now anticipated to make progress in the health services to be rendered to the citizens. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) in the province of Lanao del Sur is now set to bring in the best health services for all the constituents.

This, as it inaugurated its newly-completed building (Phase 1) Wednesday, July 20, before the presence of some of the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, health workers from different municipalities, and the Department of Health (DOH) and provincial government officials, among others. 

IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang shared that they have already been aiming to open an office that would motivate their health workers to render their service to the public.

He reiterated statements of experts quoting that an accommodating and conducive work environment is a key factor for any organization to succeed as a comforting environment increases productivity and job satisfaction which has a direct impact on the performance of an organization. 

While magnifying the condition of the medical frontliners when in service, the IPHO similarly strived to guarantee the people that they have a facility that can provide them with their needed basic health needs. 

Minalang stressed that their new building is a testament to the genuine commitment of the government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to ensure the delivery of accessible, available, and quality health services to the whole region, and uplift the lives of all the citizens living therein.

He cited that this government through Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim poured funds to make the construction possible as the Ministry of Health sponsored the LED wall that shall showcase significant matters about the IPHO.

“To us, this is a legacy of the BARMM government as we gear towards universal health care through a responsive and resilient health system and facilities kasi kailangan nandiyan ang facilities natin [because our facilities need to be there] where we can deliver the services,” he said.  

Minalang also mentioned that this event would not have been realized if it had not been for the effort of the provincial government which provided the 1,000-square meter lot, implemented the construction project, and installed the air-conditioning system. 

Looking back on all the major efforts that helped transform their desire into a reality, the IPHO chief promised that his team would responsibly bear its responsibilities to the communities in the province and even in the Bangsamoro region. 

“Rest assured that your IPHO will continue to be a reliable and dependable health office that will respond to the health challenges of our province and the Bangsamoro in general,” said Minalang. 

Seeing the ramped-up capability of the IPHO at the moment, DOH Undersecretary Field Implementation and Coordination Team for Visayas and Mindanao Dr. Abdullah Dumama Jr. likewise showed optimism that the province can indeed give its best performance for the general welfare of everyone. 

“Itong building na ito will reflect the province’s commitment to deliver the right to health to every Filipino in the area. Makaasa kayo sa the Universal Health Care Law, at mas maganda at [Be assured of the Universal Health Care Law, and more wonderful and] more responsive health service delivery,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Lanao Sur execs take part in resolving area’s energy concern

Photo 1: Lawyer Dimnatang Pasar, who is the president of the League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) - Lanao del Sur Chapter and the mayor of the municipality of Butig in the province of Lanao del Sur, conveys his support for finding a sustainable solution to end the power crisis in his province. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Seeing the drastic threat of having a total cut-off of power supply with the swelling debt of the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), local chief executives of the city and towns in the province here took respective actions to help in addressing the roots and remedies for the aforementioned crisis. 

During an energy summit held Tuesday, July 19, League of the Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) - Lanao del Sur Chapter President and Butig Municipal Mayor Lawyer Dimnatang Pansar declared his support as he stressed that he and his town are with the provincial government in winning the problem.

He underscored that such a concern is a major one that requires a serious approach to be able to come up with an effective and sustainable solution. 

Pansar stated that this has become a perennial issue that has affected every single individual in the province, and it was due to this that he saw the extreme need to ultimately put an end to this.  

“It is not only the comfort of the people. Nakasalalay rin dito ang progress ng Lanao del Sur. Walang papasok na investors kung ganito na unstable ang ating power supply sa ating province. Nakasalalay diyan ang minimithi ng ating provincial government na umunlad ang ating probinsya,” he said. 

[It is not only the comfort of the people. The progress of Lanao del Sur is also at risk here. No investors will come in if our power supply here in the province is unstable. The dream of our provincial government of making progress for our province is at risk.]

Pansar conveyed that it would really take the support of each citizen of the province to have a concrete answer to their struggle on energy, and not just a band-aid solution that only tries to reduce the impact but does not extinguish the problem itself. 

“Maging sinsero tayo [Let us be sincere] to confront this very serious problem. Let us be open-minded to find out a doable, effective, and sustainable solution sa problema na ito [for this problem]. Kung hindi natin masolusyonan ito [If we cannot solve this], after ilang years, magiging mataas na ang utang at hindi na kaya bayaran ng LASURECO [the debt will increase and LASURECO cannot pay it anymore],” he said.

Meanwhile, Marawi City Administrator’s Executive Assistant Omar Mohamad shared that the city government has also been affected by the news about the notice of disconnection for the LASURECO as he cited that they have been targeting to push through an event that is part of their 100 days development agenda which is the Kambalingan or the return of displaced families to their former homes in the most affected area in the city.   

He said they have already opened sectors one to seven of ground zero so that residents could already start repairing their properties there but accordingly, most of them cannot do it as energy is a primary problem in the area with the electricity and water supply not yet restored. 

Mohamad underscored that upon looking into the current issue on LASURECO and the energy supply of the province, they recognized as well the low collection of electric dues from member-consumers

“Ang problemang ito ay tayo lang ang makakasolve. Inaakit namin ang atensyon ng mayors sa municipalities kasi ang koleksyon sa first at second district ng LASURECO ay medyo mahina. Ang Marawi City ay nakokolektahan ng LASURECO ng mahigit P18 million. Kung sana naman tayo lahat ay magtulungan, palagay ko itong problema ng LASURECO [ay malulutas],” he said. 

As of June 30 this year, LASURECO has already an estimated P13.1 billion unpaid due to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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MENRE-BARMM steps in energy crisis of Lanao Sur

Lanao del Sur Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Officer (PENREO) Asmarie Labao delivers the message of Minister Akmad Brahim of the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy citing the plans and strategies to be pursued by the Bangsamoro government to conclude the struggle of electricity in his province. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--As all stakeholders and even the provincial government have taken part in the issue of power all over the province of Lanao del Sur, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has likewise made its move to help overcome the struggle and push for a plan so that it would never be encountered again. 

In his message delivered by Lanao del Sur Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Officer Asmarie Labao, MENRE Minister Akmad Brahim said the concern of electricity is not new, stating that several approaches were already been introduced but this has still become a perennial problem.

The current challenge now is the outstanding debt of the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) which is estimated to be worth P13.1 billion as of June 30 this year and has given the threat of a total cut-off all over the province if left unpaid. 

With this, Brahim stressed the optimism of the Bangsamoro government, conveying that the province will recover from this through the power of unity among all citizens here. 

“We believe that through the effort of different sectors, including but not limited to the Lanao del Sur government and the BARMM, we will have a better solution to this energy problem in the province. Your government today is doing its very best to provide a long-term solution,” he said. 

As part of their dedication to addressing the energy issue in the BARMM, the Minister shared that a workshop on special analysis for infrastructural planning was spearheaded wherein seven electric cooperatives in the region which included the LASURECO and another ailing electric utility in the region, the Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MAGELCO), to train them to use the geographical information system to gather data that would be utilized in formulating analysis for infrastructure development, and creating technical studies for possible interventions that are financially and operationally viable. 

He added that BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim also addressed a request letter to the secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Finance (DOF), and the president and chief executive officer of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) dated June 7, 2022 for the recalling and curtailment of the notice of disconnection for the LASURECO and the MAGELCO. 

Meanwhile, the BARMM government is eyeing the creation of a new distribution entity that will mirror the services offered by LASURECO

Brahim said this shall be pursued within the transition or after the regular parliamentary elections in the BARMM in the year 2025. 

He also said that the establishment of an interim structure is targeted to cover some of the electrification needs of the people. 

Noting all the aforementioned steps, the Minister emphasized that the BARMM through the MENRE would always strive to advance enough power resources that all the constituents truly deserve to have. 

“We shall be working too hard so that our plans and our future initiatives will be realized and implemented. Rest assured that Lanao del Sur will have a bright future as we work hand in hand to deliver the best energy services we can have for the Bangsamoro people,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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NEA seeks public’s cooperation to solve LDS energy issue

During an energy summit led by the provincial government of Lanao del Sur, National Electrification Administration Corporate Finance Services Chief Aljohn Calapatia appeals for cooperation from the public to resolve the issue of energy in the province. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--With the existing concern of energy in the province brought about by the unpaid power bills of the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) to the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) has voiced out its call for cooperation among citizens to urge them to participate in the resolution of the crisis. 

NEA Corporate Finance Services Chief Aljohn Calapatia stressed that the LASURECO cannot go through the problem without the entire province coming together as after all, this does not only affect the electric cooperative but every single citizen living herein. 

“LASURECO alone cannot solve its problem. Kailangan talagang pagtulong-tulungan ng buong sambayanan ng probinsya ng Lanao del Sur, lalo na ng political leaders natin at iba’t ibang stakeholders sa gobyerno para matransform ang LASURECO, marehabiltate ang operasyon, at masustain ang power supply kasi at the end of the day, ang higit na makikinabang nito ay tayo ring mamamayan,” he said.

[LASURECO alone cannot solve its problem. The entire people of the province of Lanao del Sur really has to help each other, especially our political leaders and other stakeholders in the government, so that the LASURECO will transform, the operation will be rehabilitated, and the power supply will be rehabilitated because at the end of the day, the ones who will benefit these are just us, citizens.]

Earlier, Calapatia affirmed that LASURECO was one of the electric utilities that billed the cheapest electricity rate. This, accordingly, had a serious implication on their collection system which led to its ailment currently.

Calapatia underscored that the NEA, being a government-owned and controlled corporation that was mandated to support struggling electric cooperatives, has already extended the necessary assistance in the form of financial, operational, institutional, and technical. 

He conveyed that while the national government has already responded to the LASURECO’s call of help, the public, on its part, now bears the responsibility to do their part as consumers of the supplied power. 

“Lahat tayo dito ngayon ay sobrang laki ng roles na gagampanan natin kung papaano natin masusustain ang power supply sa probinsya. Alam naman natin kung gaano ka importante ang kuryente kasi iyan ang nagbibigay buhay sa lahat ng lugar… Sana tulungan niyo kami kasi sa mga nakaraang dekada, laging nagiging problema ng NEA ang outstanding debts ng LASURECO at lagi nating nadidiin ang LASURECO na ang problema ng LASURECO ay problema niya lamang,” said Calapatia. 

[All of us here have a big role to play as to how we can sustain the power supply of the province. We all know how important electricity is because this gives life to all places… I hope you help us because, for many decades, the outstanding debts of LASURECO have become a problem of the NEA, and we have always pressed LASURECO as if only LASURECO owns the problem.]

As per the record, there are 121 electric cooperatives in the country and out of this figure, the NEA has classified at least eight ailing cooperatives, including the LASURECO, which needed to be assisted to continue to survive. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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PSALM pushes LASURECO to raise collection, lower power loss

Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation Vice President for Finance Manuel Marcos Villalon II conveys via zoom that the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. needs to increase its collection and reduce its power loss. (Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) has urged the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) to make its operation better to cope with its outstanding due on power purchases. 

PSALM Vice President for Finance Manuel Marcos Villalon II stated that the electric cooperative must employ strategies to improve its collection efficiency and reduce its system loss as it was already billed roughly P13.1 billion as of June 30 of this year.

Among the suggested means to achieve the goal is the setting up of electricity meters in all residences, commercial structures, and other electricity-consuming properties for accurate and reliable billing systems. 

Further, there must be joint cooperation with the local government units and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the intensive information and education campaign on the duties and obligations of member consumers which includes paying 100% of their power bills. 

It was likewise encouraged to formulate a comprehensive collection program, techniques, and strategies that closely aim to collect its entire receivables. 

Citing their recommendations, the PSALM nonetheless mentioned that they have been doing their part to at least help LASURECO get through their present crucial situation.  

“LASURECO and PSALM are now negotiating for a contract for supply of electric energy (CSEE) and special payment agreement, and I hope soon, we can already finalize the agreement,” he said. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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Energy summit mulls electric coop’s debt, power issue in LDS

Photo 1: The provincial government of Lanao del Sur convenes stakeholders and member-consumers from various sectors in a held energy summit to discuss and come up with solutions to solve its issue of power. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Pondering upon the existing debt of the Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO) and more energy issues pressing the province here, the provincial government led Tuesday, July 19, an energy summit to figure out permanent and inclusive solutions, and finally craft policy recommendations.

The event convened the members of the energy sector, municipal mayors, vice mayors, line agencies, ulamas or traditional leaders, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to gather and discuss ways forward from the previously held energy pre-summit.

Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. stressed that if there would be no solution to their current dilemma, the province would end up having its power supply cut-off which would result in more problems in various aspects like the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response, education system, government operation, and almost all day-to-day routine of Maranaos.

Earlier, he detailed that the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) delivered a notice of disconnection of LASURECO after the latter failed to pay its ballooning due which hit roughly P13.1 billion as of June 30 this year. 

To be spared from this demand, the electric cooperative accordingly sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) which was hereby issued by the Marawi City Regional Trial Court (RTC) effective for three days. 

An emergency meeting involving the PSALM, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and the LASURECO was further held to request a three-month extension to allow the province to come up with a permanent solution to the concern. 

The reprieve was then granted and this drove Adiong to directly consult sectors and stakeholders in the province to effectively decide on a scheme, and immediate action and plan to achieve a sustainable solution.

He mentioned that even the local lawmakers have already committed to enacting the Condonation Law which is deemed vital to ease the burden caused by the power charges.

Several ideas have been brainstormed in the summit and even in the previously conducted pre-summit. However, the provincial governor firmly emphasized that the only permanent solution that could appropriately address this issue is the serious payment of member-consumers of their billed due. 

“Dapat magbayad ang bawat mamamayan ng Lanao del Sur para hindi mawala ang kuryente natin. Binigyan tayo ng tatlong buwan. Kung hindi gaganda ang LASURECO at koleksyon nila, wala tayong mapupuntahan kung hindi mapuputulan tayo ng ilaw,” said Adiong. 

[Each citizen of Lanao del Sur must pay so that our electricity will not go off. We were given three months. If LASURECO and its collection do not improve, we have nowhere to go but our lights will be cut off.]

The NEA has likewise presented that under its mandate of helping all electric cooperatives in the country, it already aided the LASURECO with its struggle through the provision of financial, operational, institutional, and technical assistance.

As such, it called for cooperation from the public to do their part which is the payment of their respective accounts.

Lanao del Sur Provincial Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. underlines that the only permanent solution to their provinces' electricity problem is for the member-consumers to seriously pay their electricity bills. (Jason Casas/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

“Kami sa NEA, sa national government, nabigay na namin ang lahat ng assistances. Sana, magtulong-tulong tayo at magkaroon ng commitment,” said NEA Corporate Finance Services Chief Al John Calapatia. 

[We, in the NEA and the national government, already gave all the assistance. I hope we can help each other and make a commitment.]

The PSALM, on the other hand, shared that it has been doing its best to be of help to the problem where LASURECO is at the moment. 

“LASURECO and PSALM are now negotiating for a contract for supply of electric energy (CSEE) and special payment agreement, and I hope soon, we can already finalize the agreement,” said PSALM Vice President for Finance Manuel Marcos Villalon II.

Other participants from invited sectors also brought up their thoughts and recommendations which were duly noted by the provincial government for their consideration. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)

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