ERC to expand presence in Visayas, Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is expanding its reach in the Visayas and Mindanao with the creation of a committee that will direct reorganization.

The power regulator said in a statement it recently formed an ad hoc oversight committee that would oversee preparations for the reorganization of its Visayas and Mindanao field offices.

ERC chairman Jose Vicente Salazar said the move is in line with its proposal for structural strengthening slated for submission to the Office of the President.

He noted the planned reorganization of the Visayas and Mindanao field offices aims for a more empowered operation that would bring about more effective service to that part of our country.

“This is consistent with the principles of devolution and decentralization being pursued by the government,” Salazar said.

“The move is also a response to the aspiration expressed by the Committee on Energy of the House of Representatives for the ERC to bring itself closer to the people by empowering our Visayas and Mindanao field offices,” he added.

There has been a longstanding call from the House of Representatives for ERC’s expanded presence in the said regions, the ERC chief added.

As it starts expanding in the VisMin area, the ERC is expected to help the regulatory processes more efficient and effective.

“We envision these field offices to become area offices with structures patterned after that of the head office,” Salazar said.

The ad hoc oversight committee will be headed by ERC director Noel Salvanera, who was acting head of the agency’s legal service, for one year.

Salazar said Salvanera’s “technical skills, organizational competence, extensive experience in the agency and his institutional knowledge makes him the most qualified official for the position.”

Salvanera will be doing inspection and monitoring functions and is also expected to provide the ERC with inputs and advice on policies and practices for the development of the Visayas and Mindanao field offices.

Chief energy regulation officer Alfred Vergara Jr. has been designated officer-in-charge of the legal service. Supervising energy regulation officer Ronaldo G. Gomez and Atty. Grace Lu-Santos were likewise designated as legal service division heads.

The ERC also designated Prescia Vanessa A.Reynante and Dianara B. Capito as members of the ad hoc committee.