THE GUIMARAS Electric Cooperative (GUIMELCO), in partnership with the GUIMELCO Youth Advocates Network (GYAN), conducted “The Next Gen Grid: A Youth Reverse Mentorship Forum 2026” on June 22, 2026, at the GUIMELCO main office in San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
The activity was held in celebration of National General Managers’ Month and in support of the initiatives of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) and the National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives (NAGMEC). The forum aimed to strengthen youth engagement, leadership development, and community participation while providing a platform for young Guimarasnons to share innovative ideas for the future of the electric cooperative.
The one-day event gathered 15 youth participants from different municipalities of Guimaras. Through interactive discussions, group workshops, and reverse mentorship sessions, participants gained insights into the operations, services, and challenges of an electric cooperative while sharing their perspectives on technology, communication trends, consumer engagement, and future-ready initiatives.
In her opening message, GUIMELCO general manager Shirley S. Laurente encouraged the participants to freely share their ideas, feedback, and proposals for the benefit of the cooperative. She also reminded the youth that, as future member-consumer-owners, they play an important role in supporting and protecting the electric cooperative that serves their communities.
Meanwhile, GYAN president JayLord Saplagio expressed his gratitude to all participants for accepting the challenge of becoming part of the forum. He encouraged fellow youth to uphold truth, avoid spreading misinformation, and use their influence for the common good.
A highlight of the event was the GM-for-a-Day Leadership Immersion, where Hannah Kamill Tutanes was selected as the youth general manager. Through strategic, immersive, and critical shadowing activities, she experienced the responsibilities of leading an electric cooperative and gained first hand exposure to cooperative governance, leadership, and decision-making processes.
In her reflection, Tutanes expressed her appreciation to GUIMELCO and shared her admiration for the role of a general manager, recognizing the responsibility, commitment, and mission of service that come with the position.
The activity was spearheaded by the Corporate Communications and Social Marketing Office (CCSMO) and was supported by the cooperative’s department and office heads, who served as observers and participants during the reverse mentorship sessions.
Angelo Galuara from the district of Jordan and BOD member Yvette S. Pallada of Nueva Valencia expressed their support for youth empowerment and emphasized the importance of youth voices in shaping positive change within the community.
GUIMELCO reaffirmed its commitment to empowering the youth as future leaders and partners in community development. By fostering meaningful dialogue between young leaders and cooperative management, the forum served as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and shared responsibility in building a sustainable and responsive electric cooperative for future generations./PN
