MORE POWER MAINTAINS HISTORIC LOW ELECTRICITY PRICE IN ILOILO DESPITE TAX-INCLUSIVE RATES

ILOILO CITY — Rising generation and transmission costs continue to push up power rates across the country, with distribution utilities affected whenever the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) places the Visayas under yellow or red alert. Manual load-shedding during these alerts, caused by supply shortfalls, has disrupted normal operations. Limited supply amid high demand has driven prices higher, forcing many distribution utilities and electric cooperatives to raise their rates. In June, MORE Power relied more on bilateral suppliers because prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) surged. Sixty-two percent of MORE Power’s supply came from bilateral contracts and 38 percent from WESM. Spot market prices climbed from ₱4.45/kWh to ₱10.30/kWh. Overall, the generation rate rose by ₱2.10/kWh, reaching ₱7.735/kWh. Meanwhile, MORE Power’s average distribution charge remains unchanged at ₱1.85/kWh and has been stable for more than three years. This June, MORE Power’s rate reached ₱13.91/kWh, up ₱2.04 from May. Historically, the said distribution utility has the lowest rates from January to May of 2026, tax-inclusive, while many other distribution utilities publish tax-exclusive rates. To avoid bill shock to consumers, the implementation of staggered payments to suppliers was postponed for the month of June. This will ensure that bills do not overlap in the coming months. It also means the increased electricity costs will go directly to the power suppliers, and no added cost will go to the distribution utility. NGCP reports a shortage of supply in the Visayas grid caused by outages at large coal-fired plants. On July 10, NGCP said 15 plants experienced forced outages while 11 others were operating at derated capacity, leaving about 1,031 MW unavailable. Transmission constraints also limit the flow of power from Luzon through the Leyte–Cebu interconnection, reducing the ability to support the Cebu–Negros–Panay grid. These facts indicate that MORE Power did NOT contribute to the increase in electricity prices this June. The company reiterated that all its electricity rates since beginning operations in Iloilo have been tax-inclusive, ensuring no hidden charges on consumer bills.

PHINMA University of Iloilo Brings CHED-Approved Tech and Hospitality Programs to Roxas City

PHINMA University of Iloilo (UI) is officially expanding its footprint to Capiz, bringing its signature brand of accessible, career-focused education to Roxas City. The expansion comes after securing official approval from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on July 6 to open local campus operations. For its initial rollout this coming school year, PHINMA UI Roxas will focus on two high-demand sectors, offering Bachelor’s degrees in Tourism Management and Information Systems. This move aims to eliminate the need for young Capizenos to leave their hometowns in pursuit of top-tier tertiary education. By establishing a physical presence in Roxas, PHINMA UI is making it easier for local students to balance their academic aspirations with the comfort and support of staying close to their families. PHINMA UI extends its sincere gratitude to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and CHED Regional Office VI, under the leadership of Dr. Raul Muyong, for the timely issuance of the permits that made the Roxas campus expansion possible. The University values CHED's continued support in expanding access to quality higher education for more Filipino learners. "Our expansion into Roxas City is driven by a singular mission: to make quality, employability-focused education within arm's reach of every striving student," said Martin Perez, Chief Operating Officer of PHINMA University of Iloilo. "We are bringing the same standard of academic excellence and industry-aligned training that PHINMA UI is known for—backed by proven outcomes, including a 92% average first-time board exam passing rate across the PHINMA Education network and a 77% graduate employment rate." To welcome its pioneer batch, PHINMA UI Roxas is making a major investment in the local community. Every single student who enrolls for the upcoming school year will automatically grant an 80% Hawak Kamay (HK) Scholarship on tuition for their entire first year. Beyond affordability, students will benefit from PHINMA Education's holistic learning approach, which combines academic excellence, hands-on learning, student support, and strong industry partnerships. These initiatives help prepare graduates not only to succeed in licensure examinations but also to build meaningful careers after graduation. The campus is now accepting applications for its pioneer batch. Start of Admissions: July 7, 2026 Official Start of Classes: July 27, 2026 Enrollment for Academic Year 2026–2027 is open to senior high school graduates, transferees, and working students. For inquiries regarding admissions requirements and campus information, visit the PHINMA University of Iloilo Roxas Campus Facebook page or visit the admissions office at Roxas Avenue Extension, Lawa-an, Roxas City.

NEW TUBURAN STUDY CENTER BREAKS GROUND IN ILOILO

ILOILO CITY—Under the midday sun and hopeful clear blue skies, shovels pierced the ground as a significant step toward expanding educational opportunities in Iloilo City marked with the site blessing and groundbreaking ceremony of the New Tuburan Study Center, a project developed by Daguiao Foundation Inc.

On June 27, 2026, the ceremony was attended by Most Rev. Midyphil Billones, DD, Archbishop of Jaro; Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.; Mr. Roel Castro of MORE Power; Mr. Antonio Jon, President, Daguiao Foundation, Inc.; Engr. Rene Tan, Director, Tuburan Study Center, and various personalities. Located along General Luna Street, Barangay Villa Anita, the Tuburan Study Center is envisioned to become a multi-story learning facility designed to provide students with spaces to study, mentoring, reflection, and personal growth spiritually. More than just a building, Daguiao Foundation Inc. seeks an answer to the growing needs of students for environments that encourage discipline, focus, and values-centered spaces. This project reflects the broader reason of the Daguiao Foundation Inc., which has long supported educational and community-based initiatives since 1991 that uplift young men by being grounded both academically and through moral formation. Mr. Antonio Jon, President of Daguiao Foundation, Inc. shared that the foundation has remained consistent in its mission to empower the youth by providing a safe sanctuary where they can learn, grow, and strengthen their moral values. By investing in the potential of young people, the foundation helps shape future generations capable of building a better and more compassionate society. As the ceremonial shovel struck the ground and the time capsule buried underneath, the atmosphere carried both celebration and anticipation of the future. For most, the ceremony represented more than just a groundbreaking ceremony; it was laying a foundation for the future generations. This is set to be constructed in two years time under the project development of RBJR construction services. In a rapidly changing world, Daguiao Foundation Inc. believes that this Tuburan Study Center will stand as a reminder that investing in the youth remains one of the ways to build a better and morally conscious community.

MORE Power hopes Visayas grid supply normalizes soon

ILOILO CITY – The continuing thin power supply in the Visayas has affected electricity rates across distribution utilities in the region, prompting the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to place the grid under several yellow alerts since May. In Iloilo City, MORE Electric and Power Corporation said it is hoping that power supply in the Visayas Grid will return to normal as soon as possible so that electricity rates may also go down. A yellow alert means available supply is not enough to meet demand, which may lead distribution utilities to implement manual load dropping or rotational power interruptions. Based on the latest data, MORE Power recorded around 428,308.60 kWh in power losses from May 13 to June, affecting 177,727 consumers. NGCP said the tight supply situation in the Visayas was caused by the outage of three major coal-fired power plants: Units 1 and 2 of Aboitiz Power Therma Visayas Inc., which have a capacity of 169 MW each, and Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) Unit 3, which has a capacity of 150 MW. In total, about 488 MW remains unavailable from these plants. As of June 23, NGCP data showed that 16 power plants were on forced outage, while 14 others were operating only at derated capacity. Altogether, 1,073 MW of power was unavailable. Aside from generation issues, transmission constraints have also limited the amount of power reaching the Visayas grid despite supply coming from Luzon. NGCP said the Leyte-Cebu interconnection has limited capacity to support the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid. "Nagapangabay kita nga tani earlier ang ila pagbalik sa grid para at least ma-stabilize man ang presyo sang kuryente diri sa aton sa Visayas Grid. Isa ini sa nakita naton nga big development kun tani para sa kaayuhan sang mga distribution utility kag mismo para sa mga konsumidor ilabi na nga ginapaabot ang El Niño ukon tuman kainit sang panahon nga mangin rason sa posible liwat nga pagtaas sang konsumo sang kuryente", says Raphael Dorilag, Manager of Energy Sourcing Department of MORE Power. The tight supply has also pushed prices higher in the electricity spot market or WESM. From ₱4.45 per kWh, prices climbed to ₱10.30 per kWh, while the generation rate rose by ₱2.10 per kWh to the current ₱7.735 per kWh. MORE Power said it continues to look for cheaper power sources for its consumers by buying supply from bilateral suppliers whenever these are more affordable than WESM prices. At present, 62% of its power supply is sourced through bilateral contracts, while 38% is purchased from WESM. MORE Power also set aside paying in staggered tranches to its suppliers to avoid bill shock for its consumers in the succeeding months. Wala sang pagbag-o sa presyo sang aton mga distribution charge sa MORE Power. Ginapabalo man naton nga inclusive na sang tax ang tanan naton nga rates rason nga transparent kita kag wala sang hidden charges sa mga bill nga galab-ot sa tagsa ka mga konsumidor”, says Dorilag. MORE Power likewise advised consumers to be more careful and responsible in their electricity use amid continuing challenges in power generation and transmission.

FIRST-EVER UNMANNED SUBSTATION IN THR REGION VI TO SERVE ILONGGOS

ILOILO CITY - MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), the sole electricity distributor in Iloilo City, has taken a bold step toward securing the region’s power future. This landmark initiative for the Western Visayas energy sector introduces the area’s first fully unmanned 30MVA substation. This historic milestone stems not from hasty planning but from years of intensive assessment and careful forecasting of consumer needs. The achievement represents a major advance in modernizing the region’s power infrastructure, underscoring MORE Power’s commitment to efficient, reliable, and innovative service for Ilonggo consumers. The facility is remotely controlled from MORE Power’s Control Center via an advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Fully automated, it is operated and managed entirely from the center, with real-time data delivering all essential information.

State-of-the-art design allows monitoring of load flow, voltage levels, and equipment conditions without on-site human supervision. Expanding SCADA systems and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) forms a key part of MORE Power’s five-year development plan and grid modernization efforts.

In a statement, Engr. Wilmar Gonzaludo, PSPD Manager, attributed the success to “long and meticulous planning, plus a deep understanding of the system that Iloilo consumers need. ”It can be recalled that in 2020, during MORE Power’s launch, substations were nearly overloaded, frequently knocked out, and in poor condition, some were not even upgraded for 30 years. MORE Power promptly began repairs, addressing substations, distribution lines, aging poles, high systems loss, and rampant illegal connections. “In other places, SCADA and automation are already in use. Advanced technology exists, so why not leverage it, especially with MORE Power here to deliver the same high-quality services to consumers? ” said Engr. Mark Anthony Molano, Substation Projects Manager. Engr. Molano also emphasized strengthening the distribution system’s foundation to better serve consumers, particularly during peak demand. MORE Power assures tight security, with personnel still guarding the substations—vital installations amid surging electricity needs driven by Iloilo City and the province's economic growth.

MORE Power's electricity rate for May, DECREASED by P0.27/kWh

ILOILO CITY — MORE Electric and Power Corporation is passing on relief to Ilonggo consumers with a reduction in electricity rates for May, despite upward pressure on global commodity prices stemming from the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. The residential rate for May is ₱11.8710 per kWh, down from ₱12.14 per kWh in April. The commercial rate falls to ₱11.00 per kWh from ₱11.27 last month. The movement in retail rates is primarily attributed to a lower transmission charge, which declined to ₱0.26/kWh versus the previous month. The system loss charge was also trimmed by ₱0.027/kWh, reflecting the transmission adjustment; overall system loss improved from 5.37% to 5.20%. On the other hand, the generation charge rose by ₱0.05/kWh due to higher coal prices and increased freight costs associated with imports. Inflation (CPI) and foreign exchange fluctuations also pushed generation costs upward. Prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market likewise climbed to ₱4.47/kWh. Despite the uptick in generation costs, MORE Power managed to lower final consumer rates by sourcing cheaper power under bilateral contracts. “We strive to provide our consumers with the best electricity rates despite the challenges we are currently facing,” said Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power. “MORE Power remains steadfast in ensuring the welfare of Ilonggos by delivering quality and affordable electricity to every household and establishment. As the heat index rises this summer, consumers are encouraged to practice mindful electricity use, since greater appliance demand can lead to higher bills,” Mr. Castro added. The rate cut provides welcome respite as residents contend with rising prices for basic goods and services. MORE Power said the move reflects its ongoing efforts to ease financial burdens on families and businesses in Iloilo City. The company is monitoring price and supply conditions heading into June after the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued several yellow and red alerts, signaling potential supply shortages relative to demand. MORE Power reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reliable service and affordable electricity for Ilonggos

Big Ilonggo Businesses Migrated to MORE Power in Q1 2026

Pavia, Iloilo – Malls, food chains, hotels, BPOs, publication offices, and even construction firms are among the diverse sectors now served by MORE Power, as the company continues to expand its reach. In the first quarter of 2026, MORE Power accommodated the migration of several major accounts seeking reliable service, cost efficiency, and customer-friendly support for their thriving operations.

The latest to make the migration is Waffle Time Inc., a prominent Ilonggo business franchise, for its commissary in Brgy. Pagsangaan, Pavia, Iloilo. The company successfully transferred its load to MORE Power as its primary power source. Just last month, Taytay sa Kauswagan (TSKI), a major finance firm and hotel operator, along with Gateway Hotel, completed their migration on March 27, 2026. TSKI CEO and President Mr. Peter Talbanban and Gateway Hotel Chief Operating Officer Mr. Wendell Hofanda led the migration ceremony. “The primary expectation is better service and lower costs, especially amid the current Middle East crisis. All expenses are rising, making this the ideal time to migrate to MORE Power and reduce our electricity bills. Our TSKI main office is here in Pavia and serves all branch needs. If we experience a brownout, it disrupts our entire digitalized system, so reliable power is crucial,” said Mr. Peter Talbanban, TSKI CEO and President. “I’d like to thank MORE Power for reaching out to us. We were surprised by their initiative, and we’re thrilled about this partnership, which promises lower electricity costs and superior service,” he added.

This migration underscores the trust these companies place in MORE Power to deliver long-term reliable electricity for their establishments. “This marks a win for consumers who seek better quality of electricity, fair pricing, and improved service. MORE Power’s values have always been centered on the welfare of its consumers. We have heard the clamor and understood the needs of the consumers—this is why we have expanded to the province of Iloilo. I am truly grateful for the trust of the consumers in Pavia, Iloilo”, said Mr. Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of MORE Power. MORE Power launched operations in Iloilo Province this year after finalizing its facilities. This was enabled nearly five years ago on September 20, 2021, when 2nd District Representative Michael Gorriceta and 4th District Representative Braeden John Biron filed for the company’s franchise expansion to deliver modern, reliable power distribution to towns in their districts. The well-timed migration ceremony highlighted MORE Power’s readiness to support consumers’ needs for dependable, modern power distribution.