On electric cooperatives

IP, CCD and KDC-ADNU host RTD on Electric Cooperatives
The Knowledge for Development Center(KDC)-ADNU, Institute of Politics, and the Center for Community Development sponsored the roundtable discussion on THE ROLE OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT 10:00am last Saturday, 23 June 2007 at the KDC, O’Brien Library, Ateneo de Naga University.

Among the participants in the said discussion are Mr. Beda Priela of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Butch Dela Torre and Ms. Bernadette Gavino of the Naga City Consumers Group, Mr. Nono Aquino of the Naga City Jaycees, Mr. Elmer Sto Domingo of the ADNU Center for Community Development, Mr. Dax Plopinio of the Institute for Small and Medium Enterprise Development Inc., Atty. Manny Teoxon as a consumer and advocate of consumer rights, Mr. Alec of the local newspaper Vox Bicol, Mr. Clark Batac, Ms. Jovy Dy, and Ms. Lany Botor as employees and union leaders of the Camarines Sur 2 Electric Cooperative.

Mr. Renne Gumba, KDC member and Institute of Politics Executive Director acted as the discussion moderator. He started by explaining the background/context of the gathering, including what the KDC as a partnership of the ADNU and Word Bank is all about. He then proceeded to present the guide for discussion which revolved around the following themes: 1.)EPIRA law and the electric cooperatives, 2.)the local electric cooperative/CASURECO2 and local development, 3.)role of the consumer groups/other orgs.

The discussion ended with the participants resolving to strengthen the local consumers group, and work on the various electricity cooperative-related issues and concerns affecting the public in general, and the consumers in particular. This will include action on the alleged irregularities in the management of the electric cooperative. It was also agreed upon by the participants to have a regular meeting/discussion and to open up the group to participation of other interested individuals and organizations.