March 29, 2024

Provincial and municipal officials in Benguet have expressed their support to the appointment of Engr. Melchor Licoben as new general manager of Benguet Electric Cooperative.
The support was contained in Resolution 2020-488 passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Benguet and Resolution 6-2020 passed by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Benguet chapter.
Benguet caretaker, Eric Yap has also welcomed the designation of Licoben, stating he will give his support to the new leadership of Beneco.   
“Together with the Beneco board of directors, we are confident that Engr. Licoben can effectively and efficiently propel our electric cooperative to greater heights. Having rose from the ranks occupying various significant positions through the years which allowed him to gain the substantial skills and knowledge. He is the best choice for the position,” Yap said.
Licoben has joined Beneco during the same period erstwhile general manager Gerardo Verzosa was absorbed by the cooperative.
He said through Licoben, he has requested Beneco to enhance the implementation of rural electrification programs that would reach remote barangays in the province. 
“This is to help in spurring economic activities that will provide for the sustainable sources of livelihood of the people in the non-viable communities within Beneco’s franchise area,” he said. 
Yap said he would coordinate with the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration to ensure the fast tracking of the implementation of rural electrification program, especially in the hundreds of still unenergized villages around the province. 
“We believe that access to electricity is one of the engines of countryside development. We shall also coordinate with the NEA leadership to facilitate the immediate confirmation of Engr. Licoben’s appointment to fully enable him to discharge his duties and responsibilities with utmost confidence as our partner in the realization of the government’s rural electrification program in Beneco’s franchise area,” Yap said. – Ofelia C. Empian