“After months and months of experiencing fears and uncertainties of our future because of the pandemic, we can now say that indeed: “We are almost there.”
We have seen a number of local government units who have already implemented the vaccination program of the government. And while it is still a long way to achieve that what they call ‘herd immunity’, I whole-heartedly believe that what we have right now, what is ongoing right now is so many steps closer to achieving that status.
But we are still faced with other problems within our very own Movement. Just recently, we have started conducting once again the Black Friday Protest, a peaceful protest uniting all 121 electric cooperatives nationwide. This is our way of fighting back.
We are strongly protesting against for-profit corporate giants who are showing their interests to takeover our franchises and operations, and against people in power who are mis-interpreting their very own rules just to get what they want from us.
And for that, let me just say:
We stand united with NORDECO!
We stand united with Electric Cooperatives in Negros Island!
We stand united with BENECO!
We will prevail over these challenges and problems. Those who are trying to pin us down, they need to standard: THE ONE-MCO MOVEMENT IS A FORCE TO RECKON WITH! The extent of our power extends way beyond the corners and fences of our cooperatives. And if anyone among you still doubts what this movement can do… if anyone among you still doubts what WE ARE WILLING to do for our 121 electric cooperatives and our 14 million member-consumer-owners, then, I am telling you, you do not belong with us in this movement.
I hope that you will all remain vigilant. Never put your guard down!
Hindi nila tayo titigilan! Hindi nila tayo basta-basta lulubayan.
Ngunit tandaan natin – marami na tayong pinagdaanan.
At sa lahat ng pagsubok na ito, nalagpasan at napagtagumpayan natin ang lahat ng ito..dahil nanatili tayong sama-sama. Walang bumitaw.
Walang bibitaw!
United we stand, we stand united!!!”
Hon. Presley C. De Jesus
President, PHILRECA
The past weeks that were full of trials and challenges have revealed so much about the rural electrification movement. At this point in time, we see how Electric Cooperatives are facing various issues and concerns that are all putting us to the test of unity, loyalty, and determination. I am proud because I am witnessing the show of support of ECs to the movement especially in the last few weeks that we have staged the Black Friday Protest. I am proud because this is a new chapter in the history of the rural electrification movement which will surely build greater realizations of our roles in the communities we serve.
The current energy crisis greatly affecting the Luzon Grid has also become one of our biggest challenges this month. I know that we need to put extra effort and patience in educating our MCOs that this crisis is not the fault of the ECs. I also appreciate that the ECs are encouraging our MCOs to conserve energy as we face this energy crisis.
As we end the first half of 2021 this month, I hope that we continue to support one another as we fight for fairness and justice. These times are crucial for all of us, and I am hoping that we all serve as one another’s support system. Tulad ng mga lumipas na panahon, hindi po natin hahayaang may maiwan mag-isa.
Let me also take this chance to express my sincerest gratitude to all ECs and EC Allied Organizations for all your efforts to sustain the goals of our advocacy despite the numerous issues and concerns that we need to address.
United We Stand, We Stand United!
Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan
Executive Director/General Manager, PHILRECA