Primelectric CEO pushes resilient power grids at Clark summit
CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — Primelectric Holdings Inc. President and CEO Roel Castro called for stronger power system reliability, infrastructure security, and operational resilience in his opening keynote at i4C.PH 2026: Resilience Reimagined on Nov. 3.
For electricity consumers in Iloilo City, Negros Occidental, and Bohol, the stakes are practical. How a distribution utility prepares for typhoons, equipment failures, and other disruptions determines how long hospitals, water systems, businesses, and households go without power when a crisis hits.
The three-day national summit, held at SMX Convention Center Clark, brought together leaders from government, defense, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure to address emerging risks and strengthen the country’s resilience.
Castro leads Primelectric, the parent company of MORE Power, Negros Power, and Bohol Light.
MORE Power distributes electricity in Iloilo City, while Negros Power took over distribution in central Negros Occidental from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO).
All three franchise areas lie in typhoon-prone parts of the Visayas. Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai) in December 2021 knocked out power across Bohol and Negros for weeks.
In his keynote, Castro described how the company builds resilience into its operations to keep electricity flowing, particularly during emergencies and disruptions.
He cited Primelectric’s efforts to improve power supply management, upgrade infrastructure, and enhance distribution networks.
The company is also investing in flexible grid systems, operational safeguards, and technology improvements to keep supply stable during disruptions and extreme weather.
Castro stressed personnel preparedness as well, pointing to regular training, refresher programs, and emergency simulations that equip employees to respond to crises.
For Primelectric, resilience goes beyond restoring power after disasters. The company views it as requiring continuous planning, infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and workforce readiness to minimize disruptions and sustain essential services.
Risk management expert Augustus Caesar “Ace” Esmeralda organized the summit with Ace and Associates Risk Management Inc. and Resilient.PH.
The event promotes an integrated approach to physical security, disaster preparedness, business continuity, and cybersecurity.
Castro’s keynote echoed the summit’s central message: building resilience means anticipating risks, strengthening critical systems, and ensuring communities can keep functioning even in times of crisis.
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