ILOILO City – Some 2,000 families in the southern part of the city can now light up their homes through the budget assistance made available for their electrical connections.
This is after the office of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go pledged to shoulder their respective bill deposits and electrical safety connection certificates, which will be issued by the City Engineering Office.
Senator Go has allocated a total of P6 million through the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation.
Each family beneficiary receives P3,000.
This particular initiative was realized through the request of Iloilo City Lone District’s Rep. Julienne “Jam-jam” Baronda and Mayor Jerry Treñas.
According to Baronda, she learned from MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) last year that many indigent families in the city could not apply for power meters due to a lack of money for bill deposits.
In her desire to assist them, Baronda coordinated with Senator Go. The latter immediately gave his approval and did not hesitate to help.
With the theme, “Ikonek: Kasanag nga may Malasakit kag Gugma Para mas Maga-uswag ang Syudad ta”, the distribution of the aid to the beneficiaries started on Aug. 19.
Baronda said it was indeed the right decision when they supported MORE Power’s entry as the city’s new power distributor, citing its efficient service and lowest power rates which the Ilonggos are enjoying now.
“Ini ang resulta sang manami nga partnership namon ni Mayor Jerry Trenas kag MORE Power. Prayoridad namon pirme ang kun ano ang makapaayo sa mga konsumidor,” Baronda stressed.
Meanwhile, MORE Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro said, “We are inspired to continue our efficient service and will find ways to maintain the lowest, cost-efficient rates.”
The MORE Power executive also appealed to the beneficiaries to help eradicate illegal connections in their respective areas. He further asked them to encourage power pilferers to connect legally, especially since it is now easy to apply and also to avoid being caught and charged.
Recipient Mary Jane Sioson of North Baluarte, Molo said they are so happy for the said program that they will finally have their own electric meter.
“Salamat gid sa MORE. Kahapos na mag-apply. Nalipay gid ako nga may akon na sarili nga kuntador. Kabudlay man bi kun mag-tap lang kay kamahal pero kun iya ka MORE maka-save pa ta kay barato lang kag kadasig pa sang ila serbisyo,” said Sioson./PN
