I’M SURE the initiated would immediately notice the subtle reference of this column’s title to the title of that groundbreaking album “The Dark Side of the Moon” by the progressive/psychedelic rock band Pink Floyd.
Of course, whatever similarities end there as Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” is about insanity, the nuances of life brought about by LSD and its effect on the band’s founder, the late Syd Barrett.
MORE Electric and Power Corporation a.k.a. MORE Power’s everyman “Nong Moroy” is anything but that, rather he represents the best there is about Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable energy.
Without much ado, this is what we’re talking about:
Just recently, 22 young patients received a new lease on life as the World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP), in partnership with MORE Power, successfully conducted a two-day major pediatric surgical mission at the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC).
This medical mission provided free, life-changing surgeries to children from Iloilo City, Iloilo Province, Capiz, and Aklan. It was made possible through the collaboration of WSFP, MORE Power, their key account partners, and the local city and provincial governments.
According to WSFP’s Dr. Lester Suntay, president/CEO: “This program is a collaboration with MORE Power, and we are grateful for their support and other donors. Our goal is to help address the surgical backlog and serve those in need, especially children who have long been waiting for critical operations.”
Take note, this medical mission is not just a one off, it’s now in its fifth year in Iloilo. This year WSFP brought in 41 volunteer specialists from Manila and Iloilo; pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, pathologists, and operating room nurses.
The beautiful thing is that these medical professionals donated their time and expertise to deliver comprehensive surgical care at no cost to the patients or their families.
The surgeries — typically cost between ₱150,000 to ₱200,000 — were beyond reach to most families. The free procedures significantly eased the financial burden and gave children a chance at a healthier future.
Said MORE Power president/CEO Roel Castro: “MORE Power will always be a partner in improving the lives of Ilonggos.”
Meanwhile, we segue to something green, particularly sustainable energy.
“I Am Iloilo City’s” sole power distribution utility, MORE Power, has strengthened its renewable energy commitment with a new Power Supply Agreement (PSA) that will add 6.6 megawatts (MW) of clean energy to its Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requirement.
The agreement was signed between MORE Power’s Castro and Alfonso Javier D. Reyes, president of Urban Energy Development Corporation (UEDC), a Mabuhay Power Holdings Corp. subsidiary, the winning bidder during a recent Competitive Selection Process (CSP) conducted by MORE Power.
UEDC is going to supply 6.6 MW from its upcoming 8 MW-peak solar power plant in Anilao, Iloilo.
The Anilao solar project is breaking ground later this year and is scheduled for completion and delivery within one year. The solar power plant is expected to supply MORE Power with clean energy by mid-2026.
Said Castro: “This partnership is part of our continuing mission to lead Iloilo towards a more sustainable energy future. We are steadily increasing the share of renewables in our power mix. With this new project, we take another significant step in hitting our long-term clean energy targets, ensuring our customers benefit from affordable, reliable, and greener power.”
UEDC’s Reyes has this to say: “We are proud to support MORE Power’s renewable energy goals with our first solar facility in Iloilo. We are committed to delivering on schedule and at the highest quality standards.”
The company’s renewable energy footprint is approximately 33 percent and continues to grow with this new supply. The move aligns with the Department of Energy’s push for utilities and distribution companies to meet their RPS obligations, which require a growing share of renewable energy in their supply portfolios each year.
And that is the “bright side” of MORE Power./PN
