AS ASSURED and promised by MORE Power, “I Am Iloilo City” indeed experienced a brownout-free Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30.
Not that I’m surprised — I was actually expecting it based on their track record. MORE Power not only fulfills their promises but often exceeds expectations, which is a stark contrast to the now-defunct former power distribution utility.
As a testament to its continuous commitment to efficiency and reliability, MORE Power, the sole power distribution utility in Iloilo City, ensured an uninterrupted electric power supply throughout the entire elections, achieving a 100% success rate from start to finish.
The company’s Command Center, which played a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless electricity supply, officially signed off at 5:20 a.m. of Oct. 31. At that time, 92% of the newly elected barangay officials had been proclaimed, with only 8% pending. By the time this column is published, it’s probable that all officials have been proclaimed, despite the usual disappointment from the losing candidates.
According to MORE Power president/CEO Roel Castro, “The continuous electric power service is a result of meticulous planning, continuous monitoring, and the hard work of our dedicated team.”
He added, “We understand the importance of such events in our communities, and we are honored to contribute to their success.”
In addition, MORE Power strategically deployed additional response and line teams for the first shift on election day, each with dedicated team leaders for specific districts. This strategic maneuver aimed to provide ample support and ensure a consistent power supply throughout the election.
Moreover, MORE Power assigned personnel to inspect polling centers. These staff members engaged with teachers and exchanged contact numbers to ensure swift communication and responses in case of emergencies, securing uninterrupted electricity flow during the electoral process.
Engr. Bernard Del Castillo, MORE Power VP for Network Development/Operations Group, remarked, “We completed courtesy calls at 62 polling centers, the ICARE, and COMELEC offices,” ensuring that the situation was reported as normal.
“Actively monitoring field activities, our response teams, linemen, and team leaders remained on standby until the completion of the vote counting process,” Del Castillo added.
The 100% continuous power supply was pivotal not only for the timely proclamation of the majority of barangay officials but also for ensuring the overall efficiency and fairness of the election process.
The company remains focused on its mission of delivering dependable electric power to its customers, regardless of the occasion or the scale of the event. This milestone during the barangay elections is yet another testament to the company’s steadfast service to the electric power consumers of Iloilo City.
This level of service goes “above and beyond the call of duty”, exemplifying Nong Moroy’s commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Meanwhile, MORE Power has launched its Work Order and Asset Management System (WOAMS) developed in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
WOAMS is a digital system designed to streamline MORE Power’s processes, especially in expediting its response to power interruptions and connection concerns of electrical consumers.
It will also enable MORE Power to better manage and maintain information on its projects, resources, and other operational aspects.
The launch on Oct. 25 was led by MORE Power president/CEO Castro and Lyan Villacorta, the Program Management Specialist for USAID’s Regional Energy Climate Change.
According to USAID’s Villacorta, “WOAMS’ development comes in two phases: a web-based application, which we are launching now, and a mobile application designed to work even in scenarios of poor internet connectivity.”
With WOAMS, MORE Power aims to, among other things, improve its response time to customers’ concerns within 15 minutes or even less.
It is, as usual, another day showcasing MORE Power’s continuous innovation as a partner in the development and progress of “I Am Iloilo City,” contributing to the enhancement of the locals’ quality of life. /PN