LAGUINDINGAN, Misamis Oriental—The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has advised all electric cooperatives (ECs) to strictly observe all precautionary measures against the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in organizing public gatherings, such as its Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA).
NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong issued the statement during a consultative meeting between the NEA Board of Administrators (BOA) and members of the Northern Mindanao Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (NORMECA) held at the Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO I) headquarters.
The NEA chief advised power distribution utilities to strictly implement all preventive and precautionary measures recommended by the DOH.
In a meeting, NORMECA president and MORESCO I director Nonito Labis raised concern on whether or not to still continue to hold public gatherings including AGMA and district elections, as the Department of Health (DOH) earlier urged the public to refrain from going to large public gatherings amid the threat of COVID-19.
Masongsong, in response, said they may proceed with their scheduled AGMA and district elections. The NEA chief, however, advised power distribution utilities to strictly implement all preventive and precautionary measures recommended by the DOH if they decide to push through with their events.
The AGMA is a yearly event where stakeholders of the electric cooperative gather to discuss the report concerning its activities and finances as well as issues affecting the power distribution utility and the member-consumer-owners.
Masongsong also cited the recent joint statement of the DOH, the Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announcing that it is safe to organize and attend public gatherings, meetings and festivals as long as all precautionary measures identified by the DOH are observed.
The joint announcement on February 18 meant to clarify the DOH’s Advisory on Concerts and Other Public Events and Gatherings released last February 7, 2020.
“The DOH reminds the general public to wash your hands regularly, and to seek medical attention if signs of cough, colds, sore throat and fever appear. All preventive and precautionary measures have been put in place by the national government to contain the spread of the COVID-19,” the joint statement stated.
NORMECA is composed of MORESCO I, Misamis Oriental II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MORESCO II), Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI I), Misamis Occidental II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MOELCI II), Bukidnon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BUSECO), First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FIBECO), Camiguin Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAMELCO), and Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LANECO).
The NEA-BOA and management officials were in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental for the recently concluded committee and regular board meetings. Alternate board chairman Emmanuel Juaneza, board members Rene Gonzales, Alipio Cirilo Badelles, Agustin Maddatu and Administrator Masongsong with deputy administrators and other officials were present during the meetings.