121 electric coops to subsidize P365M worth of power consumption, says group

The National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers, Inc. (NCECCO) on Wednesday commended the move of 121 electric cooperatives to subsidize P365 million worth of electricity consumed by poor households.

“One of the things that will make a difference is the outpouring of acts of kindness from those who are able to and capable of sharing the burden which generally becomes more agonizing as the days go by,” Rodrigo Sacedor, chair of NCECCO, said.

“From stories of private individuals giving out goods to poor families up to the implementation of various government programs from the national down to every barangays – all of which spur and inspire positivity which keeps the chain of giving going,” Sacedor said.

Pantawid Liwanag was earlier initiated by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) in cooperation with the National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives (NAGMEC) and the Philippine Association of Board of Directors of Rural Electric Cooperatives (PHABDREC).

It targets poor electricity consumers affected by the COVID-19 crisis.

Customers who consumed not more than 50 kilowatt-hours will be given free electricity for the month of March to April.

Sacedor said NCECCO has seen the magnitude of the program and realized the impact it has not only to the recipients but also to other sectors.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has put this nation not only in grave health crisis but also in serious economic slowdown,” he said.

“The poor and unprepared Filipinos will be the most vulnerable to suffer COVID-19’s devastating effects. The sick becomes sicker and the poor becomes poorer,” he added. —LDF, GMA News