Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), attended the blessing and inauguration of the newly built Juanito E. Jorda, Jr. Development and Empowerment Center at the RENAGMEC Compound in Brgy. San Juan, Santa Rita, Samar.

The Development and Empowerment Center was named after the late general manager of Leyte V Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LEYECO V), who was one of the founders of Federation of Rural Electric Cooperatives of Region 8 (FRECOR 8), and the first RENAGMEC president.

Further, to streamline the processes related to the purchase of power distribution equipment and facilities, NEA intends to set up the Regional Procurement Hub Project.

In his remarks, Administrator Almeda said that he was impressed that the electrification reforms and plans he had in mind were already established in Eastern Visayas. He acknowledged that FRECOR 8, one of the largest EC associations in the country, played a key role in this development.

For this reason, the NEA chief believes Eastern Visayas is well-suited to host the first regional procurement hub for ECs in the country. NEA shall commence pilot testing as soon as the required ground work is established.

Administrator Almeda also expressed his appreciation for the continuing support of FRECOR 8 in rural electrification development. He encouraged unity among ECs and other key stakeholders in the energy sector to better serve and empower the member-consumer-owners. ###