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.

DOE Honors MORE Power and Negros Power for exemplary Compliance

Taguig City, April 24, 2026 – In a testament to operational excellence and unwavering commitment to transparency, the Department of Energy (DOE) awarded plaques of appreciation to MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) and Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) for their timely and full compliance with critical reportorial requirements. The recognition highlights the two distribution utilities’ adherence to DOE Department Circular No. DC2023-03-0005. This circular provides supplemental policies for the systematic management of DOE reportorial requirements in the electric power industry, ensuring accurate data flow for participants - distribution utilities, for the year 2025. Plaques, signed by Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra, Ph.D., were presented at the Energy Center in Bonifacio Global City. It underscores compliance’s vital role amid rising power demand from industrialization, renewables, and climate risks, enabling better grid monitoring, outage prevention, and policy reforms. MORE Power serves Iloilo City and nearby areas in Iloilo, while Negros Power operates in Central Negros as the sole electric power distributor. Their efforts support DOE’s data-driven Visayas grid, which is critical post-El Niño and during electrification pushes. “Full compliance equips DOE with important insights that may contribute to accelerating projects like grid modernization and renewables rollout,” said Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of both MORE Power and Negros Power. “Timely reporting helps streamline DOE approvals, cuts delays, and aids in advancing national electrification targets,” he added. As the Philippines aims for full household electrification by 2028 under DOE’s program, such compliance sets a standard for sector reliability.

Department of Energy Recognizes Proactive Policies of Iloilo City and MORE Power

Iloilo City – Energy Secretary Sharon Garin recently highlighted Iloilo City’s significant 14% increase in power demand in 2025, well ahead of the national average. According to Garin, this growth stems from programs led by Mayor Raisa Treñas in collaboration with MORE Electric and Power Corporation. She noted that it reflects progress not just in business but in every household, as consumers gain the capacity to purchase additional electrical appliances - a key driver of the city’s rising demand. Recently, the Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) visited Iloilo City to promote the Expanded Lifeline Rate Program. However, the Iloilo City Government and MORE Power have implemented the original Lifeline Rate Program since its launch in July 2023, outpacing other cities. Today, Iloilo City has 6,310 Lifeline Program beneficiaries: 4,360 from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the rest from indigent communities or marginalized residents. “I have to say ang mga policies sang LGU together sang MORE is one of the best ones in the country nga ginacopy ina namon ang programa diri sa Iloilo City,” says Sec. Garin. Under the Expanded program, 4Ps households consuming 50 kWh or less per month receive a 100% discount, with automatic enrollment. Beyond the Lifeline Rate Program, the ERC commended MORE Power’s Bill Deposit Refund initiative. To date, MORE Power has refunded P9.2 million in bill deposits to 1,421 consumer accounts that paid bills on time for 36 consecutive months. This follows the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, which requires distribution utilities to refund deposits after such consistent payments. MORE Power proactively notifies eligible consumers via bills, text, email, and calls, encouraging them to visit the office for refunds by check or bill credit, rather than just wait for the consumers to apply. The ERC witnessed MORE Power’s Bill Deposit Refund program firsthand, prompting the agency to spotlight this Magna Carta provision, and encourage distribution utilities nationwide to deliver the same benefits to their eligible consumers.