Senator Grace Poe Urges CENECO Employees To Proactively Apply For NEPC Roles
Senator Grace Poe to CENECO Employees: Employment to NEPC is Not Automatic
Senator Grace Poe, the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Services, has made it clear that the transition of employees from Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) to Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) cannot happen automatically.
During the committee hearing on the franchise bill of Negros Power last Tuesday, March 05, 2024, the lady senator emphasized that while there are commendable and skilled employees within CENECO deserving of absorption, there are also individuals who may not display the same level of dedication. Hence, she stressed that an automatic hiring process would be unjust to the joint venture company.
“May mga miyembro kayong excellent, masisipag, they deserve to be absorbed, they deserve to be employed pero I’m sure kayo rin mismo meron kayong mga nakikitang mga empleyado na matatamad naman, wala naman mga ginagawa. That’s also not fair, ha“, Senator Poe told the union.
“Hindi po yan automatic na porket employee ka kailangan may trabaho ka forever. Hindi po ganun“, she added.
The Senator further emphasized that employee hiring should be performance-based, rather than being influenced by factors such as age, gender, or appearance. “Kaya kapag sinabing lahat kukunin, lahat nang qualified dapat kunin. Wala sa age, wala sa gender, wala sa itsura but based on performance.”
Senator Poe believes that the success of a joint venture company relies on individuals who are actively engaged and dedicated to their roles, stating, “So employment is not a right; you also have to be able to fulfill your responsibilities.”
She also reassured the employees that the approval of the franchise would be beneficial to them, saying, “Lahat tayo dito merong nakasalalay na matatamasa na benepisyo kung maging maayos ang serbisyo doon sa lugar ninyo. Huwag kayong matakot na ma etsapwera. Dapat kasama kayo sa paglago.” This means that everyone has something to gain if the service in their area becomes efficient. She encouraged them not to fear being left behind and emphasized the importance of their involvement in the growth process.
The Joint Venture Agreement between CENECO and Primelectric/NEPC, along with the proposed franchise, prioritizes CENECO employees in the recruitment process for the new distribution utility serving Central Negros.
Roel Castro, the President of Negros Power, has notified the senator that over 250 CENECO employees have already applied and are currently under consideration for the hiring process.
During the hearing, Senator Poe underscored the importance of capital investment in distribution utility services to foster the development of the franchise area.
“Kaya ba ninyo ang capitalization para kunyari may mga call centers na lilipat, may mga hotels. Kaya ba e-electrify lahat yun?” her challenge to those who oppose the entry of the private sector.
She emphasized that Electric Cooperatives like CENECO are no longer equipped to offer the essential expertise required for developing areas. The changing landscape demands fresh approaches and specialized knowledge to foster growth and progress.”Alam nyo, iba na ang development ngayon. Noon kasi electrification. Ngayon, umunlad na kasi ang mga bayan. Unfortunately, cooperatives may not have the technical knowledge or the corporate competence to be able to supply the power needed in those areas.”
