The National Electrification Administration (NEA), the Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC), and Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) reinforced their partnership to improve Palawan’s Electrical Infrastructure, welcoming the cooperation of the Palawan LGU.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda signed a new memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Palawan Governor Amy Roa Alvarez, MIC President and CEO Rafael Jose Consing, Jr. and PALECO General Manager Engr. Rez Contrivida on Tuesday, 02 December 2025, to formalize this collaboration.

 

Administrator Almeda described this multistakeholder cooperation is a significant step towards the national government’s mission to stabilize energy supply in Palawan, leading to improved public services and sustainable economic growth in the province.

“Palawan’s robust and booming tourism have contributed both to the local economy and our country’s reputation in the international sphere. The island’s aged electrical infrastructure, however, has been hard-pressed to support the province’s growth,” he said in a signing ceremony held at the NEA office in Quezon City.

 

“That is why, and to recall, the NEA, MIC and PALECO had agreed to collaborate and share technical expertise to enhance electricity services in the island province of Palawan,” Administrator Almeda added.

 

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin, who stood as witness to the MOA signing, acknowledged that this collaboration is crucial to implement the necessary upgrades in Palawan, which is envisioned as the main gateway of the Philippines to the ASEAN Power Grid initiative.

 

“The idea is there is just one grid for the whole of ASEAN and Palawan is one that we are having a feasibility study (on) if it will be connected… So, we are searching for the route… That is why there’s a need to improve the system within Palawan,” Garin said.

 

Under the agreement, the MIC will fund “studies to assess the current state of Palawan’s electrical infrastructure and determine the most cost-effective and efficient ways to improve it.” PALECO and the Palawan government are expected to cooperate in this endeavor.

 

The NEA serves as the primary body tasked with any and all directions and decisions on the technical requirements and implementation of the MOA through the engagement of its organic personnel and technical consultants.

 

Administrator Almeda emphasized that this agreement has been carried out because “progress is never built alone.” Sustaining the electrification of Palawan depends on the continued commitment and active involvement of all stakeholders.

 

The NEA chief thanked the MIC for investing once again in an electric cooperative such as PALECO. He also extended his gratitude to Palawan led by Governor Alvarez for their trust in moving forward with this partnership.

 

Last year, the NEA also facilitated a similar agreement between the MIC, the provincial governments and electric cooperatives of both Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro to improve the electrical infrastructure in the said provinces.###