Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law two measures granting electric cooperatives in Aklan and Benguet provinces 25-year franchises to operate and maintain power distribution systems. The franchises were awarded to Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) and Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) through Republic Act (RA) Nos. 12302 and 12303, as announced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) in a news release on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, under RA 12302, Akelco is granted the authority to construct, establish, operate, and manage power distribution for end-users across 17 municipalities of Aklan, as well as in Pandan and Libertad in Antique and Damayan village in Sapian, Capiz. The PCO stated that the cooperative is tasked with ensuring reliable and affordable electricity service to households and businesses within its coverage area.

RA 12303 renewed BENECO's franchise, allowing it to provide electricity distribution to the municipalities of Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, and Tublay in Benguet province, along with Baguio City. The laws authorize Akelco and BENECO, their successors or assignees, to maintain systems that will ensure efficient power supply to end-users.

The enactment of these measures affirms the government's commitment to strengthening rural electrification, supporting local economic growth, and promoting reliable power services in the provinces. The newly signed laws also mandate the electric cooperatives to create employment opportunities and allow on-the-job trainings in their franchise operations. Malaca±ang has yet to release copies of RA Nos. 12302 and 12303.