20/05/2026
๐๐ข๐จ๐ฆ๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐ก๐๐๐ข, ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ
QUEZON CITY โ The House Committee on Legislative Franchises approved on Wednesday the grant of new legislative franchises for the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ZANECO) and the Marinduque Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MARELCO), marking a significant step toward ensuring stable and reliable electricity for thousands of households and businesses in their respective provinces.
The approval covers House Bill No. 3082, which grants a franchise to ZANECO, and House Bill No. 3833, which grants a franchise to MARELCO. Both measures were authored by Power Bloc representatives Presley C. De Jesus (PhilRECA Party-list) and Sergio C. Dagooc (APEC Party-list).
The approved bills provide each cooperative with the authority to construct, install, establish, operate, own, manage, and maintain electric power distribution systems.
The ZANECO franchise covers the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, along with 21 municipalities in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. ZANECO is noted for achieving 99.66% electrification in its area and maintaining an "AAA" rating from the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
The MARELCO franchise covers the municipalities of Boac, Buenavista, Gasan, Mogpog, Sta. Cruz, and Torrijos in the province of Marinduque. MARELCO has been recognized for achieving 100% electrification.
With the committeeโs approval, the bills move forward in the legislative process. Once enacted, the franchises will be effective for 25 years.
This legislative milestone reinforces the Power Bloc's commitment to ensuring quality, reliability, and security in the nation's electric power supply, paving the way for sustained progress in Zamboanga del Norte and Marinduque.