AND THE dangling conversation with Nong Moroy on what he’s been doing lately particularly for “I Am Iloilo City” continues. As I said, “still along that line”. Pun intended, of course.
We start off with MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) president/CEO Roel Castro, extending congratulations to the Iloilo City Government for being recognized as the 2024 Overall Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City in Western Visayas.
The Department of Trade and Industry Region 6’s recognition shows the city’s commitment to effective governance, sustained economic growth, and the power of public-private partnerships.
According to Mr. Castro, “This success highlights the impact of a shared vision, strong leadership in the local government, and cooperation from the private sector.”
Perhaps one of the most important factors in Iloilo City being recognized as the 2024 Overall Most Competitive Highly Urbanized City in Western Visayas is its de facto partnership with MORE Power.
Since its operation in 2020, MORE Power ignited a transformative change across Iloilo City, impacting everything from the local economy to the everyday lives of its residents. The company’s focus on upgrading and stabilizing the power distribution network has not only reduced power interruptions but also fostered economic growth.
The rigorous anti-pilferage / system loss minimization efforts by MORE Power had broad economic implications. According to data analyzed from MORE Power and local economic indices, these efforts contribute approximately P5 billion annually to Iloilo City’s Gross Domestic Product. The increased reliability of electricity supply has bolstered the city’s manufacturing and service sectors, which are heavily dependent on stable power supply.
Beyond economic metrics, MORE Power has had a tangible impact on the quality of life in Iloilo City. The power stability has underpinned improvements in various service industries and has contributed to a more vibrant local economy with increased job opportunities. From 2020 to 2022, MORE Power’s operations indirectly supported the creation of approximately 6,693 jobs, thereby reducing the unemployment rate in the city by an average of 10.6% annually.
Sometime last year, MORE Power owner Enrique Razon met with “I am Iloilo City” Mayor Jerry Treñas to discuss key projects for the city i.e. the underground distribution system at Calle Real, development of our ports, and to forge a strong partnership.
As of now, these developments are well on their way. The once antiquated port in Lapuz is undergoing a facelift with modern container cranes, and MORE Power has successfully connected the first customer to Underground Distribution System (UDS) in Iloilo City.
The historic connection was made with the Intensity Fitness Gym, along JM Basa Street, becoming the first recipient of this innovative energy solution.
The P96-million UDS project is a multi-phased undertaking launched in mid-2023, will transfer underground the overhead electrical lines of a one-kilometer stretch of Iloilo City’s historic business district/heritage zone known as Calle Real – from the corner of Arroyo Street to Aldeguer Street, Guanco Street, Mapa Street, Ortiz Street, until Rizal/Zamora Street (Burgos Street) and Plaza Libertad.
MORE Power utilized Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), a cutting-edge method for installing underground utilities and plumbing; the UDS project stands apart from traditional methods by eliminating the need for open trenches, ensuring minimal disruptions in the downtown area.
Finally – MORE Power successfully conducted mangrove planting and coastal clean-up in Barangay Hinactacan, La Paz district, in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and barangay officials.
This initiative saw the planting of an additional 200 mangrove saplings, aimed at enhancing coastal protection and promoting sustainability in Iloilo City.
MORE Power’s green initiatives represent a long-term commitment to sustainable practices that benefit Iloilo City. The company aims to ensure that its efforts are integral to their corporate social responsibility, focusing on creating a sustainable city for future generations. This commitment is reflected in their goal to plant a total of 10,000 trees and mangroves over five years, with 1,027 mangroves and 9,450 trees already planted to date.
Well played indeed, MORE Power./PN
