Despite the relatively successful conduct of the 2025 National and Local Elections in Catanduanes, there was a fly in the ointment, so to speak.
The day before Election Day, the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) issued a Load Shedding Schedule for Election Day itself, May 12, 2025 covering 12 areas in the Virac población with an aggregate load of 2,500 kilowatts, from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
It is assumed that the areas covered did not have any polling place or local government offices, which the Department of Energy (DOE) stressed should be excluded from any load shedding before, during and after the elections.
According to FICELCO, the power interruption is due to insufficient power supply caused by the scaling down of SUWEDO Diesel Power Plant operations, as well as low water levels at its hydro power plants in Solong and Hitoma.
Informed sources say that the scaling down of SUWECO’s diesel power plant was prompted by the National Power Corporation’s continued refusal to pay nearly P200 million in Universal Charge-Missionary Electrification (UC-ME) subsidies.
In November 2024, SUWECO management had already written NPC President Ferdinand Martin Roxas to request for the immediate release of P216 million in unpaid subsidy billings as well as P475 million representing the difference between the SUWECO’s interim rate and the final rate of the 1st Amendment to the Electricity Supply Agreement with FICELCO.
The crisis prompted DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella to step in and ask FICELCO, SUWECO and NPC to an online meeting on the issue.
At the same time, he asked the cooperative and SUWECO to ensure the reliable and continuous delivery of electricity services in Catanduanes, particularly in election-related critical facilities such as polling centers, canvassing venues, and other government establishments, before, during and after the election period to support its peaceful and orderly conduct.
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Today, May 14, 2025 is the public forum for the three candidates vying for the position of SUC President II of the Catanduanes State University.
According to Officer-in-Charge Dr. Roberto Barba, the event hosted by the Search Committee will provide an opportunity for various stakeholders of the university and the wider community in the province to meet the candidates, learn about their vision, mission, and plans for the University, and engage in a dialogue regarding the future direction of the institution.
Set at the CatSU Auditorium from 8:30 AM to 11 AM, the forum’s primary focus is on the candidates: the current Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Gemma Acedo; former VP for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Ma. Edna Iñigo; and the former president of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Dr. Alex Navarroza.
The local aspirants are allegedly being backed by political groups contesting top provincial posts in the upcoming elections.
Dr. Acedo is reportedly the chosen one of former president Dr. Patrick Alain Azanza while Dr. Iñigo is claimed to have the backing of Governor Joseph Cua.
Whoever won on Monday will surely influence the outcome of this election.
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THE SUPERPOWERS’ WAGER. Xi and Biden have a bet the last time they met.
Xi wagers that in 100 years’ time China would be the dominant superpower, while Biden is confident that the USA will remain uncontested.
After their terms ended and they reached the end of their mortal coil, they were cryogenically preserved in Switzerland and woken up in 100 years.
Strolling down the future streets of Geneva, they come across a news broadcast on a large billboard.
“Ha! I knew it! China is a soft power giant now!” Says Xi, pointing at the newsreader announcing: *Communist Party USA wins historic US election.*
“Hmm, I wouldn’t be so sure about that…” says Biden, pointing at the bottom news crawl: *Tensions mount over border skirmishes between Taiwan and India…*