Technical Services Manager Engr. Francis Gianan is now the officer-in-charge of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) after the National Electrification Administration (NEA) confirmed his designation last Jan. 3, 2023.
In a letter to Board President Jonathan Valles that was received on Jan. 5, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda confirmed Gianan’s designation nearly a month after the FICELCO Board passed a resolution recommending Gianan, the most senior and most technically knowledgeable among the department managers, as OIC.
He took over the helm of the electric cooperative from former GM Raul Zafe, who was deemed to have retired last Dec. 11, 2022 at the age of 65.
With the backing of the FICELCO board and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Zafe tried to seek a two-year term extension but this was disapproved by NEA, citing current policy that does not allow requests for extension of service upon compulsory or optional retirement.
Zafe, however, continued serving as GM past his supposed retirement due to NEA’s failure to confirm the OIC recommendation last month.
NEA Administrator Almeda informed that the OIC is authorized to perform the day-to-day function of a General Manager, such as signing checks and other banking requirements.
He said that the powers granted do not include those that are policy-determining and discretionary in nature, such as the power to hire, transfer, discipline and fire cooperative personnel, which may be delegated to the OIC through a board resolution subject to NEA confirmation.
“The OIC shall not be entitled to additional compensation, except the allowance being enjoyed by a General Manager such as representation/reimbursable allowances and per diems for attendance to Board meetings.
Almeda reiterated the NEA’s letter to the Board asking it to pass a resolution opening the position of General Manager and requesting NEA to advise the position in a newspaper of general circulation to attract a wider base of applicants.