LUCENA CITY – The House of Representatives Committee on Legislative Franchises has approved on Wednesday, Sept. 9, the franchise of Quezelco 1 Electric Cooperative Inc. (QUEZELCO) to construct, install and operate electric power systems and distributions to electric consumers in 22 municipalities in the 3rd and 4th districts of Quezon province.
House Bill No. 6201, authored by both Quezon Representative Reynan Arrogancia of the province’ 3rd District and Rep. Mike Tan of the 4th District, proposes to grant a legislative franchise to QUEZELCO “to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage and maintain distribution systems for the conveyance of electric power to the end-users” in the municipalities of Agdangan, Macalelon, Gen. Luna, Padre Burgos, Pitogo, Unisan, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Andres, San Francisco, San Narciso and Buenavista in the province’ 3rd District; and in Alabat, Atimonan, Gumaca, Lopez, Calauag, Guinayangan, Tagkawayan, Perez, Plaridel, and Quezon in the 4th District.
Aside from the 22 Quezon towns, the said House bill approved by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises also included the municipality of Del Gallego in the province of Camarines Sur.
The House committee hearing and deliberation chaired by Cong. Jeffrey Ferrer of the 4th District of Negros Occidental has noted the notable compliance of Quezelco on all the rules and regulation along with the directives of the Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Electrification Authority has recognized the outstanding performance of QUEZELCO as an electric cooperative in its present areas of operation.
Ferrer in a formal letter of communication dated Sept. 1 has invited QUEZELCO General Manager Engr. Victor Cada to the House committee scheduled hearing and deliberation held at Minority Conference Room, North Wing Basement of the House of Representatives.
The passage of the House bill on QUEZELCO legislative franchise at the committee level paves the way for its eventual approval at the plenary session of the House of Representatives.
The QUEZELCO franchise bill turning into a law signed by both Houses of Congress would mean the expansion of its electric services to the power consumers in all the 22 municipalities covered by the new franchise and is expected to improve the overall living conditions of the various local communities in Quezon’s 3rd and 4th Districts.
Editor’s Note: The publication provides this space as a venue for the free expression of ideas. The opinions, comments, and statements contained in this column are solely those of the author. The publisher, editors, and staff neither endorse nor assume responsibility for the views expressed herein and shall not be held liable for any claims arising from the contents of this article.