(Youth convenor Francine Pradez and the representative of Arven Bravo led the launch of ILAW, an energy organization that seeks to give consumers a strong voice regarding electricity issues in the country, in a press conference on January 31 at Roxas Boulevard, Manila.)
Energy organization ILAW announced its official launch today (Wednesday) with the aim of giving consumers a strong voice in electricity issues amidst the worsening power crisis in the Philippines. Led by its youth convenor, the press conference provided a platform for energy consumers to share their grievances in their provinces, such as Batangas and Palawan.
“ILAW aims to be a platform for consumers, regardless of their age, to have a voice, to promote the change they desire for the Philippines and to be a brave and safe space to encourage other Filipinos to strive towards affordable and accessible electricity,” said Pradez.
Pradez stressed that the Philippines has been plagued by many electricity issues in recent months that have had a significant impact on the households, businesses, and even education of the Filipino people.
More than 4.5 million people in Panay and Guimaras were affected by the widespread Panay Island blackout on January 2, which resulted in a P3.7 billion loss to the local economy of Iloilo.
Dr. Tony Cabrestante, Lead Convenor of the Palawan Consumer Coalition, shared that his community in Palawan has continued to suffer due to the unreliable supply of electricity that greatly affects businesses, households and health services in their area. It was reported that the electricity bill in the province will increase to 17 pesos this year, from 14 pesos per kwh in December.
Batangas also shares the same experience due to the unreliable electricity in their province.
According to Batangas Convenor Arven Bravo, the constant power outages cause delays and slow down their work and business operations. “With often no electricity, some establishmentsare forced to close because they have no generators or insufficient generator power. If even small businesses can feel the impact [of these power cuts], what more do larger companies?”
“Our plight is exacerbated by various factors like [natural calamities]. Every time there is a typhoon, the Luzon grid goes under yellow alert. We call for proper power infrastructure to strengthen our preparedness whenever there is a power problem,” Bravo urged.
Dr. Cabrestante and colleagues in Batangas expressed their gratitude for ILAW’s support in their fight for affordable and accessible electricity for their communities. “We are grateful to ILAW as a power consumer grassroots organization for their dedication to start the fight for our countrymen, especially those here in Palawan who are suffering due to the increasing costs of electricity,” said Dr. Cabrestante.
“ILAW is a chance for our voices to be heard, and ILAW calls for better information for all Filipino consumers, and outright action from our stakeholders,” remarked Bravo.
“The time for ac tion is now,” said Pradez. “Now is the perfect time to talk about these
Tungkol sa ILAW
Ang ILAW ay isang non-profit grassroots organization na naglalayong ipabatid sa mas
nakararami ang kara patan ng m a konsyumer sa makatarungan, abot-kaya, at abot-kamay nakuryente sa bansa. Kami ang nangunguna sa pagbibigay-diin sa mga mahahalagang isyu sa kuryente sa bansa.
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ang aming Facebook page,
https://www.facebook.com/ilawpilipinasofficial, o magpadala ng mensahe sa aming email address, ilawpilipinas@gmail.com.
