LAGAWE, IFUGAO — From power shortage to shortage of competent leaders to steer this all-important cooperative to a healthy shape, it’s surely a roller coaster ride for the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO), preventing it from moving up the ladder in Northern Luzon.
The development of human capital in the hierarchy of IFELCO took an upswing mood with the appointment of Robert Humiwat as general manager in acting capacity. Yet, he is stepping down due to his age. The clamor for a term extension is unmistakably strong.This development should keep consumers on notice, with Humiwat’s exit, it’s back to square one.
A hindrance and a sky-high level of burden felt by folks brought about by operational miscues can easily help the people to better understand what went wrong for quite sometime in this upland Cordillera province.
His appointment to IFELCO’s top post indicates the promise for a long-term growth of the cooperative as clearly more people are saying that good times are ahead of them.
The positive results in GM Humiwat’s genuine drive for change and reform emboldened board directors to forge ahead, in cooperation with personnel, members and other stakeholders.
“We are dedicated to serving well the public. GM Humiwat’s pro-active program is a pivotal strive towards realizing this vision,” quipped Alex Ordillo during the cooperative’s just-concluded general membership assembly in Lagawe. He is the BOD secretary, articulating the sentiments of Banaue and Hungduan inhabitants.
Luckily, all told, IFELCO got a general manager who guided it with the right strategy and provided the cooperative with the right tools and environment to overcome adversities.
Often, prior to the Humiwat era, Lagawe and other towns are plagued by unnecessary and unconscionable power outages. Business establishments suffered huge losses in the capital town of Lagawe since only a few entrepreneurs owned generators. Numerous complaints were lodged by dissatisfied residents.
With his term drawing to a close, Humiwat, an engineer by profession, thanked the support of dedicated employees, who shared his passion for service.
Humiwat has had a much-lauded career. He served at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as board member with distinction. He had received numerous awards and citations for several years.
During his incumbency in such capacity, IFELCO has accomplished so much and he received ample assistance from dedicated members of the BOD. The dynamic and innovative team of board directors is composed of Moses Dupahnay, Bonifacio Baichon, Mary Jane Chummac, Lydia Puguon and Freddie Dalog. They are all receiving strong support and guidance from former Ifugao governor Albert Pawingi, also a lawyer.
At the well-attended gathering, Humiwat underscored the importance of a power utility in the business community to pave the way for growth and development.
According to him, full electrification of the province will greatly help in addressing Ifugao’s economic problems, adding that his goal to provide 24/7 electricity not only in developed sections of a town, but also in far-flung villages.
Of course, there’s a cogent need for such move. A very aggressive program is required in a province where poverty is so pronounced as this one. Small wonder, Humiwat and the others tried very, very, very hard to address the challenges.
Along with finance manager Aprylle Bolla, IFELCO officers answered the queries raised by members. Concerns on elderly’s discount, possibility of joining the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in the event it severs ties with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and payment through gcash were lengthily discussed. Thus, IFELCO kept the spirit alive by consistently engaging its members during the open forum. A raffle was also held.
For now, challenges remain. Services should also be vastly improved in order to support the needs of the public. No matter how good field personnel are, if they have limited tools and training that fall short of the challenges of the times, they will surely have a hard time. Investing significant amount of money for equipment and electric posts is the only way out of this lingering mess. It’s time for the next GM, even if he or she is a lowlander, should ponder on providing first class services to Ifugao folks.** By Anthony A. Araos
