Consultative Meeting with Suppliers

MEDIA RELEASE

08 February 2012

For Sitio Electrification Program…..

Consultation with Electrical Materials Manufacturers/Suppliers held

In anticipation of the massive need for electrical materials and equipment for the full implementation of the Sitio Electrification Program (SEP) and Barangay Line Enhancement Program (BLEP), Energy Secretary and National Electrification Administration (NEA) Board Chair Jose Rene D. Almendras called for a consultative meeting with the manufacturers and suppliers of these products as well as project contractors of electrification projects. This was conducted at the Quezon City Sports Club on January 27, 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(L-R) Department of Energy Secretary and NEA Board Chair Jose Rene D. Almendras and NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno address the attendees during the Consultative Meeting with Manufacturers/Suppliers of Electrical Materials and Equipment and Project Contractors at the Queaon City Sports Club on January 27, 2012.

The meeting was to discuss the roles of the private sector as a responsible partner in the rural electrification program; tackle the material requirements for the SEP and the BLEP; and come up with stronger commitments from both public and private sectors to ensure the smooth implementation of the program. It was attended by 80 officials from 55 companies.

NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno talked about the material requirements for the SEP and BLEP for the next five years. She said, “with the magnitude of the requirements of these programs, there are enough projects for everyone. Hence, we want to make sure that all will follow a certain degree of integrity during the implementation phase. The President has given us marching orders and we will carry out these programs for our country and our people”.

Secretary Almendras said the gathering was organized to be able to interact, generate suggestions, feedback and recommendations from the electrical business sector. He also solicited the support from the businessmen present to ensure quality of products and reasonable prices for products and services. “We are talking of a five-year program and a sustainable amount. Think of sustainable revenue rather than “one time, big time”. Rural Electrification is a program that has the approval of the President and both houses of Congress because it is good for the economy, for the Philippines and for the Filipinos. Let’s work together to sustain this program”, said the Secretary.

According to the Secretary, one battlecry of the Aquino Administration is giving chances to all Filipinos for a better and more comfortable life. Hence, it targets to stimulate economic growth in the rural areas where it is needed the most. By providing access to electricity and power, rural folks also being empowered and are given the chance to have better access to education, livelihood and a chance for a brighter future. This situation, likewise, would create a more dynamic distribution of resources in the country.

“We have a diversity of options and motivations. For you in business, to incur profits. For us in government, it’s to serve our people. With government to spend about P33 billion for rural electrification in five years, there is enough business for everybody. Here is an opportunity to work together, do something good for the country, do really something meaningful to the people who will benefit for this, do something good for the economy and help the country grow. And best of all do something that will make your businesses grow even better”, he added.