NGOs push for creation of Mindanao power coop

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines  – Members of the Rotary Club of Metro Butuan, non-government organizations and religious sectors from the Caraga region are pushing for the creation of a Mindanao power cooperative and the privatization of the Agus and Pulangi hydropower plants.

Metro Butuan president Abelardo Garcia said during the 1st Regional Power Cooperative Forum here Friday that the creation of the power cooperative is the only answer to the power crisis in the region.

“Cooperatives like rotaries drew strength from its enlightened members and officers. It is about time that power consumers be empowered for cheaper and affordable electricity rates not like now when we have the highest power rate in Asia” Garcia said.

“If we missed the chance to form ourselves into a Mindanao power cooperative now to acquire two of the biggest hydropower plants in the country, Agus and Pulangi River hydropower plants, the people of Mindanao will bear the brunt of high power rates when these waters flowing to supply electricity were given to us by our Creator free,” Cooperative Development Authority executive director Orlando Ravanera added.

Pete Ilagan, president of the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, in addressing the forum, also stressed the importance of forming the power cooperative.

Representatives from the religious sector, meanwhile, vowed to help in the information campaign. 

Nearly 100 officials and members of different cooperatives in the Caraga region attended the one-day forum.