The National Electrification Administration (NEA) rallied behind electric cooperatives (ECs) last Friday, encouraging them to serve as primary sources of solutions to recurring energy-related problems in their respective communities, thereby transforming themselves as “catalysts of progress.”
NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda delivered this unity call at the Annual General Membership Meeting (AGMM) of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) on Day 2 of the 2025 NEA-EC Convergence in Bacolod City.
“There will be no progress if we don’t find a way to make it happen. And let me repeat—‘just good enough’ is not acceptable. We must always be thinking about how we can be better, how we can improve, and how we can deliver reliable and quality power in our areas,” Administrator Almeda said.
Almeda noted that their industry already reached a “transformative stage.”
The NEA chief appealed to all EC general managers and directors to remain collaborative as the government tries to find ways to bring about lasting solutions to recurring rural electrification challenges.
He noted that their industry already reached a “transformative stage,” citing the Malacañang’s recognition of NEA’s effort to address widespread electrification issues in the island provinces, such as Siquijor, in recent months.
“So, I hope we can maintain the momentum. Our partnership—PHILRECA and NEA—we are one. Let us stay together because we are a force to be reckoned with,” Administrator Almeda said.
The NEA chief also made it clear that his role is driven by service, not position. He told
electrification stakeholders that his ultimate reward is seeing rural communities thrive because of their empowered member-consumer-owners.
“My only consolation is that someday, when I return to your communities, I can see that you have become progressive because you were able to deliver the electricity your people rightfully deserve,” Administrator Almeda said.
“Even if we meet on the street, just having coffee like everyone else, I can look you in the eye knowing that I, as your Administrator, wholeheartedly helped and served you with honesty and to the best of my ability.”
The annual PHILRECA gathering, in partnership with NEA, serves as a platform for the Ecs across the country to align strategies, share best practices, and strengthen their role in achieving inclusive national development through rural electrification.
