‘Commitment: Transforming dreams into realities’ is the theme of this year’s 39th Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) of the South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO-1) held at South Cotabato Gym and Cultural Center on 26 August 2017. The cooperative hosted a total of 4, 883 member-consumer-owners including dignitaries coming from the National, Congressional, Provincial and local government units.
The program started with a parade of delegates headed by district Board of Directors representing the eleven (11) districts, Multi Sectoral Electrification Advisory Council (MSEACs), Barangay Power Associations (BAPA) and the Management Staff. The member-consumer-owners (MCO) were welcomed by the host, City Koronadal, represented by City Councillor James M. Lagasca. The Board President Henry M. Salmeo officially opened the program with a message thanking all member-consumers for the positive response to the invitation of the cooperative.
Mr. Edgardo R. Masongsong, NEA Administrator represented by Atty. Vicar Loureen Lofranco being the keynote speaker gave a message on how has the commitment of the government transformed dreams into realities. She said ‘Electricity in the rural areas was then just a dream until the Republic Act 6038 under Presidential Decree 269 was enacted during the Presidency of then Ferdinand E. Marcos which created the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the electric cooperatives with the mandate for the Total Electrification of the Philippines on an area coverage basis. This gave birth to the Rural Electrification Program of the Government. It has been 48 years since the National Electrification Administration (NEA) was founded. It has been 48 years of partnership with NEA and electric cooperative. It has been 48 years of giving reality to a dream for electricity especially in the rural communities.’ Atty. Lofranco solicited commitment from all the member-consumer-owners, Management and the Board of Directors to work hand in hand in building what the cooperative has envisioned which is to become a first rate electric utility of choice and finally assures everyone that NEA will continue to be a partner in rural development and will continue to be with the coop in its journey even with the challenges it is yet to face.
The assembly highlights the successful energization of all sitios and puroks under the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) in a ceremonial switch-on lead by Board President Salmeo, OIC-GM Epistola, Atty. Lufranco, Keynote Speaker, Hon. Ester Marin Catorce representing the Provincial Governor, Cong. Ferdinad L. Hernandez, 2nd District Representative and Hon. James Lagasca representing Koronadal City Mayor Peter B. Miguel. Another highlight is the formal launching of SOCOTECO-1 Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization, that hopes to intensify the corporate social responsibility programs of South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative, Inc. for the life-changing development of children, families and communities within its coverage area. The Foundation intends to advocate the interests of the poor, undertake community development, promote wellness, and protect the environment.
The year 2016 for SOCOTECO-1 has culminated with (six) 6 Major Awards and Recognitions from the National Electrification Administration (NEA) including EC Management Award for Exemplary General Manager (Mr. Santiago C. Tudio), EC Belonging to the Poster of NEA Partners in Capacity Building Program, EC with the Least Number of Consumer Complaints, Best in Collection Performance Awards and Model Headquarters Facilities Award and Triple A Award.
Sa tanan nga mga member-consumer-owners sang SOCOTECO-1, madamo nga sal amat sa pagtambong kag padayon nga suporta! Kasang SOCOTECO-1!
