New village chiefs briefed on anti-power pilferage drive

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Newly elected barangay officials recently gathered for an orientation on Iloilo City’s campaign against power pilferage.

Organized by MORE Power in tandem with the City Government, the orientation focused on the provisions of Republic Act No. 7832 (Anti-Pilferage of Electricity and Theft of Electric Transmission Line/Materials Act of 1994).

The barangay chairpersons learned that tapping into neighbors’ electrical lines and the city streetlights is illegal.

As leaders of their community, punong barangay are instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of their families and neighbors, including proper and legitimate use of power assets.

The initiative also aimed to illuminate the city’s streets, bolster road safety, and reduce crime rates by addressing illegal connections.

During the orientation, MORE Power President and CEO Mr. Roel Castro highlighted the role of barangay officials in ensuring that their constituents are complying with this to avoid getting sued for violation.

Castro also acknowledged the help of barangay officials in their Oplan Valeria, the power utility’s anti-pilferage campaign.

“If the barangays are doing well, the city is doing well; then we will have a better city for investment, mababa ang presyo, maliwanag ang syudad, mababa ang crime rate,” Castro said.

During the orientation, the barangay officials were given the opportunity to seek clarification and express their thoughts, which were promptly addressed during the forum.

Top Iloilo City government officials thanked the power company for paving the way to competitive power rates, which led to more investments in the city.

“Your presence in the city has brought significant help in the city’s economy and development. Having a reliable power service coupled with reasonable power rates is an added attraction to investors and to those who wish to retire and live a comfortable life in our beloved city,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas through his Executive Assistant, Francis Cruz.

Some of the newly elected barangay officials said the orientation helped them realize their responsibilities.

“Nami gid ang orientation sang MORE Power maayo gid. Nahibaluan namon, especially kami nga mga bag-o lang nga nagdaug nga opisyal, ang mga programa sang MORE Power ilabi na gid ang anti-pilferage,” said Barangay Captain Espredion Vijuan Jr. of Loboc, Lapuz.