MORE Power expands reach with Iloilo Supermart switch

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

Another homegrown Ilonggo business has shifted its power source from a local electric cooperative to MORE Electric and Power Corporation, strengthening the utility’s presence in Iloilo’s newly expanded franchise area.

Iloilo Supermart in Jibao-an, Pavia, owned by the Que family, successfully migrated its power line on Jan. 23, 2026.

The development marks the first mall in MORE Power’s extended franchise area to transition from its previous distribution utility.

The migration ceremony was led by Iloilo Supermart corporate treasurer John Alexander C. Que, together with MORE Power Vice President for Customer Care and Marketing Ma. Cristina Cabalhin and Assistant Vice President for Network Development and Operations Engineer Christopher Serojano.

The successful transfer reflects the growing need for a more robust and modern electricity distribution system to support increasing commercial activity and investor demand in Iloilo City and Iloilo Province.

“We are committed to diligently serving consumers in our extended franchise area and will onboard more than 10 additional customers this first quarter. Everything is possible when our mission drives us to deliver outstanding service and customer care. We look forward to building more partnerships and collaborations with Iloilo Supermart,” said Roel Castro, president and chief executive officer of MORE Power.

The Iloilo Supermart migration follows an earlier milestone involving construction firm International Builders Corp, which became the first consumer to officially transfer its electric service to MORE Power in the expanded franchise area after completing its migration on Jan. 18, 2026.

The switch by International Builders Corp., a prominent business based in Pavia, marked the first power line transfer in the country carried out under a utility franchise expansion, according to the company.

The migration was completed within a few hours without any delays, based on a joint statement issued by MORE Power and International Builders Corp.

Present during the ceremonial transfer were MORE Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro, International Builders Corp. owner Alfonso Tan, vice president for operations Alvin L. Tan, and Edsel G. Gerochi.

“This ceremony is just the beginning. We are very excited to cater to more consumers in Pavia, Iloilo, proving that nothing is impossible with us,” Castro said. “Serving the consumers will be our topmost priority here at MORE Power. I am very thankful to IBC for trusting us with this commitment.”

MORE Power’s expansion into Iloilo’s 2nd and 4th districts was driven by calls from local constituents for improved and more reliable electricity distribution services.

In response, Michael Gorriceta of Iloilo’s 2nd District and Braeden John Biron of the 4th District filed a bill in Congress on Sept. 22, 2021, seeking to expand the company’s franchise.

With the successful transitions of both International Builders Corp. and Iloilo Supermart, MORE Power has signaled its readiness to serve more consumers in Iloilo Province this year, positioning itself as a preferred electricity provider for businesses dependent on stable and reliable power for daily operations.