THE electricity service in the First District of Misamis Oriental is set to be upgraded.

Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) made this promise during a power consumers’ forum held in Gingoog City on Friday, February 21.

Administrator Almeda addressed the ongoing issue of brownouts affecting the entire area served by the Misamis Oriental Rural Electric Cooperative II (Moresco II).

City Mayor Erick G. Cañosa expressed his frustration with Moresco II’s poor service, sharing experiences from consumers impacted by the brownouts.

He noted that many residents visit his office seeking assistance with the frequent power outages.

POOR SERVICES. Gingoog City Mayor Erick G. Cañosa expressed his dismay regarding the inadequate services provided by the electric cooperative in the first district of Misamis Oriental during the Power Consumers' Forum held on Friday, February 21, at the Arturo Lugod Gym in the city. Among those present in the photo are Neda-10 Director Richardson T. Cua, Provincial Administrator John Venice Ladaga, Governor Peter M. Unabia, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano C. Almeda, Moresco II General Manager Edna Putian-Diango, APEC party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc, and Meralco’s Chief of External and Government Affairs Atty. Arnel P. Casanova. Photo by Edwin Iyo

Mayor Cañosa also highlighted that potential investors are wary of investing in the city and the surrounding district due to unreliable electricity service.

Almeda mentioned that he has received multiple complaints from mayors, including the provincial governor, regarding the persistent brownouts.

“Umaangal na sila (consumers),” he stated.

He explained that the aging powerline infrastructure of Moresco II is a significant factor contributing to the poor service in the area. The NEA is currently working on rehabilitating this system.

During the forum, various issues and concerns were raised, particularly related to the questionable series of scheduled brownouts that occur nearly three times a week in various locations covered by Moresco II.

In addition to these scheduled outages, consumers have also experienced multiple unscheduled power interruptions.

“I can understand your disappointment; nai-intindihan ko po na medyo frustrated kayo,” Almeda told attendees, assuring them, “Bigyan po natin ng isang taon ang Moresco II. A-ayusin natin ito.”