Message of Edgardo R. Masongsong, NEA Administrator

I convey my warm greetings to the Member-Consumer-Owners, Board of Directors, Officials and Employees of Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO) on the occasion of your 38th Annual General Membership Assembly.

The government strongly calls for the acceleration of total electrification of the countryside by 2020. With this, NEA, together with the 121 Electric Cooperatives (EC’s) nationwide need to be united and resilient in facing the challenges to attain one common goal, that is, creation of better opportunities that will lead to a more comfortable life for people in rural communities.

NEA recognizes the vital role of ECs in the Rural Electrification Program and appreciates their fervent efforts in effecting progress in the countryside for nearly 50 years. For years, EC’s like BENECO, have been firm in their commitment to be catalysts of development. BENECO, in its almost four decades of operation, has been one in the league of outstanding performers. Its dedicated workforce braved long and difficult terrain to bring the benefits of electricity to people even in the remotest parts of BENECO’s area coverage.

But the challenge continues. The standing directive to fast-track total electrification through private sector participation in unserved and underserved areas has posed numerous threats to BENECO. The entry of these participants in rural electrification signals the need to heighten its capabilities and use this as driving force to aggressively address such trials.

Let this occasion with theme, “Engaging Member-Consumer-Owners as vital stakeholders of the Electric Cooperatives” be the opportune time to intensify awareness of your MCOs on the important role they play in building up your cooperative. I urge all of u=you together with your MCOs to be active in sharing innovative ideas that will be translated into feasible plans geared toward pursuing a unified and determine stance to protect the legacies of the five-decade RE Program.

Rest assured that NEA will always be behind you and your MCOs in pursuing a much better and convenient way of life in the Province of Benguet. I wish BENECO the best and Mabuhay!