One year since its inception, energy consumer organization ILAW has made significant strides in fulfilling its mission of serving as the voice of Filipino consumers on energy matters.
Headed by National Convenor Agnes “Beng” Garcia and Youth Convenor Francine Pradez, ILAW hit the ground running by conducting focus group discussions (FGDs) that zeroed in on the financial impact of persistent power issues and grievances of business owners in various parts of the country.
Its study, entitled “Focus Group Discussion: Economic Impact of Blackouts on Businesses in Puerto Princesa City, Baguio City, and Tagum City” presented the challenges and the needed solutions to alleviate the plight of ordinary consumers and small businesses.
To ensure that insights reached key stakeholders, ILAW presented the FGD study to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Assistant Secretary Agaton Uvero, Tourism Undersecretary Judilyn Quiatchon, officials of the Samal Island Tourism Office, and Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong.
ILAW is currently conducting its second round of FGDs, consulting business owners from key tourist hubs in the Philippines on how power issues affect their daily operations and income.
Through ILAW, consumers were able to provide their voice in critical discussions on energy policies and reforms as the organization participated in three technical working group meetings for proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), spearheaded by Rep. Allan Velasco.
In a span of 12 months, ILAW was able to establish a network of affiliate groups with more than 100 members from various parts of the country, including Kahayag in Davao del Norte, Palawan Consumers Coalition in Palawan, Baguio, Iloilo, Batangas, Tagum City, Pangasinan, Cebu, and Siargao.
“This is just the beginning. As we move forward, we remain focused on building upon the momentum we’ve gained continuously striving for accessible and affordable electricity for all,” Garcia remarked.
“As we transition to our second year, we are more determined than ever to make a lasting impact on our Filipino communities,” she added.
Pradez, for her part, said ILAW will continue to collaborate with more communities, stakeholders, and policymakers to create vital solutions that will help ensure a brighter energy future for the Philippines.
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