ILIGAN CITY — Concerned residents here have formed a new consumer advocacy group to address mounting public issues, including the sudden surge in electricity and water bills.

The initiative was first proposed over the airwaves by lawyer Leo Zaragoza following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27. Zaragoza noted that during the SONA, the President highlighted system losses in electric bills as a key issue that needs to be addressed to help ordinary citizens cope with daily hardships.

"We have always complained about the shortcomings of the government, specifically government officials. But as ordinary citizens, have we done our part to address these concerns?" Zaragoza asked.

He cited a recent public hearing held at a local mall, which focused on the rapid rise in electricity rates. The gathering was attended by representatives from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), Iligan Light and Power Inc. (ILPI), and key city officials.

Zaragoza pointed out that despite the importance of the issue, very few local residents attended. Among those present was Dr. Melchie Ambalong, a longtime advocate against rising power costs in the region—an issue that remains particularly contentious given that much of Mindanao's hydroelectric power originates locally from Maria Cristina Falls.

Ambalong previously founded the Lanao Power Consumers Federation (LAPOCOF), an organization that has since expanded Mindanao-wide despite relying entirely on out-of-pocket funding from its members.

To sustain similar advocacy efforts, Zaragoza urged the public to support consumer initiatives through small crowd-funded contributions using digital platforms like GCash. He suggested that if enough citizens contribute even a modest amount—such as one or five pesos—advocates and legal volunteers can achieve significant results.

Following the call to action, concerned citizens gathered on Thursday afternoon, July 29, at Paseo de Santiago in Barangay Santiago. The group formally established an organization named Combati (short for Consumers mobati, motingog). Interim officers were appointed during the meeting, and the group set a timeline to officially register the organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).