Officials of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) joined last week’s orientation on the legislative process and guidelines for filing franchise applications for ECs conducted by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), together with representatives of power blocs in Congress, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, and the Senate Committee on Public Services.
The briefing was organized to update cooperatives on the latest documentary requirements, provide guidance on filing procedures, and prepare them for committee hearings in Congress.
FICELCO’s delegation composed of General Manager Francis A. Gianan, Engr. Neil P. Tesorero and Aileen G. Muñoz reported to the gathering that last Sept. 10, 2025, it has already re-submitted through the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, the required 20 copies of its franchise documents.
The cooperative expressed optimism that its franchise application will be approved on third and final reading under a fast-tracked process, as a similar measure had already secured approval before the 19th Congress adjourned.
House Bill 11180 granting FICELCO a new franchise was passed by the Lower House on June 10, 2025 but due to lack of material time, the Senate was unable to consider and approve the same.
Last July 25, Catanduanes Rep. Eulogio R. Rodriguez, PHILRECA Rep. Presley C. de Jesus and APEC Rep. Sergio C. Dagooc filed House Bill 2494 granting the cooperative another 25-year franchise to operate and maintain a power distribution system in the 11 towns of Catanduanes.
As the province’s sole power distributor, FICELCO plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the island, the three solons stated.
They cited the cooperative’s 100 percent electrification of the island’s 315 barangays, the consistent maintenance of high performance and operational standards despite recurring damage from typhoons, reduction of systems loss to 8%, minimized power interruptions, high collection efficiency, and its high AAA rating in the 2024 EC Overall Performance Assessment of the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
Rodriguez, de Jesus and Dagooc said the approval of HB 2494 will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of affordable, efficient, and safe electricity services to the people of Catanduanes.
The cooperative’s current franchise will expire in four years in 2029.