MORE Power’s Top Exec Is Iloilo City’s ‘Adopted Son’

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) president and chief executive officer Roel Castro has been declared an “adopted son” of Iloilo City.

The recognition was formalized through Executive Order No. 162, signed on Dec. 12. Castro, originally from Zamboanga City, was honored for his exceptional contributions to the city’s progress despite not being a native Ilonggo.

“Castro has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the development of Iloilo City,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Treñas highlighted Castro’s transformative leadership at MORE Power, which has revitalized the city’s power distribution infrastructure, significantly enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electricity services and fostering optimism about Iloilo’s growth potential.

Under Castro’s direction, MORE Power has initiated efforts to modernize Iloilo City’s electrical grid, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for residents and businesses.

MORE Power was granted a 25-year franchise in 2019 to manage Iloilo City’s electricity distribution system, taking over from Panay Electric Company.

The company has committed approximately PHP 3 billion to modernization projects from 2020 to 2025, aimed at enhancing service delivery and ensuring consistent power supply.

In October 2023, MORE Power launched its Underground Distribution System project, spanning a one-kilometer stretch along J.M. Basa Street, including the historic Calle Real and Plaza Libertad.

Earlier in February, it introduced a PHP 115 million supervisory control and data acquisition system to improve power quality and minimize unplanned outages.

The company also upgraded the Molo Substation in October, increasing its capacity to 25/30 megavolt-amperes.

Despite rising power rates, MORE Power has maintained one of the lowest electricity rates among distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in Western Visayas.

“Castro has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the well-being of the Iloilo community, actively engaging in social responsibility programs and fostering partnerships that promote education, environmental sustainability, and social upliftment,” Treñas said.