BACOLOD City – Market vendors in this city gained practical knowledge on proper electricity use, consumer rights, and available utility programs following an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activity conducted by the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) for vendor leaders recently.
The IEC gathered 30 officers and representatives from 17 vendors’ associations under the Federation of Bacolod City Vendors Association (FedBaCVA). The session aimed to equip vendors with updated information on electricity laws, policies, and NEPC initiatives that directly affect their daily operations.
FedBaCVA Vice President Beboy Vaflor Cañada said the activity was beneficial, particularly in helping vendors understand proper electricity use, regulatory compliance, and mechanisms for addressing concerns with the power utility.
“This IEC is very important for us vendors because it helps us clearly understand our rights and responsibilities as electricity consumers,” Cañada said. “Through this discussion, we become more informed and better equipped to cooperate with NEPC for proper and responsible electricity use.”
Meanwhile, FedBaCVA President Lucelyn De La Paz said the session helped strengthen trust and communication between vendors and the utility provider.
“This IEC strengthens our partnership and gives our members confidence that their concerns are being heard, while learning the laws and programs that affect our daily operations,” she said.
Participants described the activity as timely and informative, noting that the knowledge gained can help prevent electrical violations, reduce operational risks, and improve compliance among market stalls.
NEPC Assistant Vice President for Customer Care and Marketing Maricel Pe discussed consumer programs that vendors can access, while Assistant Vice President for Planning and Business Operations Engr. Leomel Tambanillo presented NEPC’s accomplishments over the past 16 months, highlighting improvements in service delivery.
Engr. Edwin M. Montemayor of NEPC explained Republic Act No. 7832, which addresses electricity pilferage and system loss reduction, while Atty. Ely Niño Azuelo discussed the Magna Carta for Electricity Consumers, focusing on consumer rights and obligations.
NEPC said the IEC forms part of its continuing advocacy on consumer education and community engagement under its campaign, “IKAW ANG UNA,” which emphasizes the role of informed consumers in improving power service delivery and system reliability./PN
