Guest Speaker
Sec. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla
Annual General Membership Assembly PANELCO III
Urdaneta City, Pangasinan
May 2, 2015

– Greetings

– First of all, I would like to thank you all for inviting the Department of Energy to take part on your 27th Annual General Membership Assembly. This is an honor for our part as you continue to recognize the Department not as an overseer but as part and parcel of a larger family, we call the energy sector. In fact, the purpose of our presence is not really to be active in the discussions for we know that that the cooperative can do this on its own, but just to observe and carry with us valuable lessons and experiences which we can replicate in other ECs.

– When we talk about an electric cooperative we are not only addressing our twin responsibilities of power distribution and electrification, we are also putting into the picture the importance of our member-consumers as part of our policy and decision making process. The importance of our people to take part in the affairs of our EC is something, which I am sure everyone is aware but often demeaned. The people are important here, because the mandate and route of the cooperative is mandated by the decisions of its members. This is an essential element that makes the cooperative a unique entity in the sector. I hope that you will not loose this awareness, rather instill it to new, old and future member-consumers.

– How can we be active members of the cooperative? This is very easy to accomplish. The first thing you need to do is to attend the cooperative’s consultations and assemblies such as this. General Membership Assemblies play an important role in the future of the EC so everyone who is concerned to the undertakings of the cooperative must attend. You have a voice here, as long as you pay your electricity bills and be effective in your member duties, you are a significant part as a co-owner.

– I hope that all members will be mindful at this reality. What we need is to preserve the excellence and good services that the cooperative continues to give. We must not fail in this undertaking, as this is the only element, which we can leave behind as a legacy that we did something and it went well.

– This annual general membership assembly is a good avenue where members and officers can interact and converse fruitfully for the future of the cooperative. May this be an avenue of understanding that will uplift the whole EC to a higher level. This is not impossible, we have seen others do it and we are certain that in this part of the country, this will also be duplicated.

– This is a challenge that we hope you are willing to take. This is a commitment not only to the people but to the nation as well. We are building a strong country and this will never be realized without your partnership and active collaboration. Let us walk together for the realization of our aspirations.

– On behalf of the Department of Energy, I wish you well on your AGMA.

– Thank you very much and have a great day ahead!