For almost half a century, the South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO-I) has been working relentlessly to implement the national government’s mandate to build and extend power distribution lines and to provide connection to all homes in the Province of South Cotabato and portion of the Province of Sultan Kudarat.
Today, the cooperative along with the support of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), ONE EC-MCO Movement, CEMRECA-SEMECA, and SAEA has marked three major milestones to recognize the efforts and accomplishments contributed by the men and women behind the success of the cooperative and to appreciate and strengthen the partnership with stakeholders, MCOs and the electrification movement.
The occasion was graced by the NEA Administrator Edgardo R. Masongsong, RECOBODA Representative Cong. Godofredo N. Guya, , and ONE EC NETWORK Foundation Executive Director Edmundo Pacamalan, Jr. Also present were NCECCO Senior Vice President Dir. Rodrigo B. Sacedor, CEMRECA-SEMECA President Godofredo Homez, NCECCO Executive Secretary Willie Evangelista, SOCOTECO-I EC-MCO President Edison Penalosa, the SOCOTECO-I Board of Directors, management and staff.
Part of the celebration of the ‘Road to Golden Anniversary’ are the inauguration and blessing of the 20 MVA Matulas Substation, the turn-over of National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers, Inc. (NCECCO) Center and the unveiling of the golden logo and theme. These are only few of the programs and activities curated as the cooperative walks towards the marking of its 50th year in service.
Blessing and switch-on of 20 MVA Matulas Substation
To ensure power reliability and in support to the economic growth of communities within SOCOTECO-I, the cooperative has inaugurated its 20 MVA Matulas Substation located inside the SPC Compound, Purok Garfin, Brgy. Paraiso, City of Koronadal. The substation will cater to stakeholders and member-consumer-owners (MCOs) under Feeders 11 and 13.
Turn-over of the NCECCO Center in SOCOTECO-I
Board President Myrna Clavesillas shared, ‘the ceremonial turn-over of the NCECCO Center is a proof of the commitment of the 1-Care and RECOBODA Partylists made into reality. WE [SOCOTECO-I] now have a place we call our own to house meetings with MCOs.
The golden logo and theme were also launched dubbed as, “SOCOTECO-I @50: One with the MCOs in Living the Dreams and Weaving the Future”
Highlighting the event is the message of NEA Admin. Masongsong who urged SOCOTECO-I along with other electric cooperatives present to work seriously and relentlessly on the cooperatives power reliability, affordability and sustainability to thrive in this time of the new normal. Admin. Masongsong also solicited support for a sustainable rural development which will provide equitable distribution of resources to MCOs particularly those who belong to the marginalized or lifeline sectors.
SOCOTECO-I was incorporated and registered as a non-stock, non-profit membership electric cooperative on August 31, 1971 under the provisions of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Act (RA 6038) as amended by Presidential Decree 269. On the 31st of
August 2021, marks SOCOTECO-I’s Golden Anniversary.