Marawi City, June 10, 2025 – The Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (LASURECO), represented by Board Chairperson Engr. Sadick Lao, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, conducted a stakeholders forum today at the Social Hall in the New Capitol, Marawi City, to discuss the recurring issues of power interruptions in Marawi City and parts of Lanao del Sur.

Mr. Linley N. Dajao, Senior District Manager of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP); Mr. Diogenes B. Esmade Jr., Department Manager, OPD of the National Power Corporation (NPC); and other resource persons from various agencies attended to share their insights and expertise during the forum.

Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Raki-in Adiong stated that the forum was held to explain the root causes of the power supply issues in the province, emphasize the responsibility of member-consumers in ensuring accurate electricity consumption, and present resolutions for achieving sustainable electricity.

LASURECO BOC Chairperson Engr. Sadick Lao noted that the problem stems from high electricity consumption in the province and emphasized the cooperative’s need for an increased power load. He added that installing individual meters for billing would eliminate the current “pakyaw system,” which negatively affects the cooperative’s service.

Engr. Junaid Lao of LASURECO further stated that if their requested additional load is granted, they could guarantee a 24/7 power supply for the province. He also raised concerns about low voltage levels in several municipalities and proposed the establishment of power substations in these areas. Throughout the forum, several stakeholders recommended implementing an individual household metering system to ensure accurate billing of power consumption.

Attendees included Board Members, Atty. Aminoden Macalandap, heads of offices of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur, local vloggers, social media administrators, two-way radio groups, students, and representatives from civil society organizations.

Vice Governor Adiong concluded the stakeholders forum by assuring the public that the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur is exerting its utmost efforts to maintain a stable power supply in the province, and he encouraged the public to be responsible member-consumers of LASURECO.