June 15, 2026 – Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) appeals to Congress to place consumers at the center of electric cooperative franchise renewals.

The group said the approval process should not rely solely on technical reports and regulatory evaluations. It must also consider the actual experiences of consumers who pay for and depend on electric service every day.

As more cooperatives seek and secure franchise renewals, PARE stressed that hearings should serve as an opportunity for consumers to ask critical questions. These include concerns about electricity rates, service reliability, system losses, disaster preparedness, governance, and the long-term plans of their cooperative.

“We consumers pay our electric bills every month, and we deserve a voice in franchise renewals, deciding whether our cooperative has earned another 25 years of public trust. A franchise is not an automatic entitlement. It is a public trust that must be earned through affordable rates, reliable service, transparency, and accountability,” said Nic Satur Jr., Chief Advocate Officer of PARE.

Unfortunately, many consumers are denied meaningful opportunities to raise these concerns. While Annual General Membership Assemblies (AGMAs) are intended to promote transparency and accountability, some cooperatives fail to hold them regularly, like PALECO. Others do not adequately address issues on rates, reliability, system losses, governance, and future plans. In some cases, consumer engagement takes a backseat to ceremonial activities and raffle draws, as seen in FICELCO. This limits opportunities for member-consumer-owners to receive updates, seek answers, and participate in decisions that directly affect the service they pay for every month.

As a result, many consumers remain uninformed about the actual performance, financial condition, governance issues, and future direction of their cooperative. PARE stressed that franchise renewal hearings should not become routine legislative exercises. They must provide consumers with a meaningful platform to evaluate whether cooperatives are fulfilling their mandate.

PARE also argued that the current evaluation process should move beyond NEA performance ratings. Consumers continue to express confusion over why some cooperatives receive high ratings – such as triple AAA and double AA classifications – yet still experience prolonged brownouts, unreliable service, high system losses, and expensive electricity rates. This has been the case with BATELEC II, FICELCO, and MOELCI I just to name a few.

These concerns highlight the need to ensure that franchise evaluations reflect not only administrative compliance but also the real experiences of consumers on the ground.

“Consumers deserve to know what concrete plans cooperatives have to lower rates, improve reliability, reduce system losses, strengthen disaster response, and improve service quality. These are the questions that matter most to households, businesses, farmers, students and communities that rely on electricity every day,” Satur said.

PARE further emphasized that accountability should not end with cooperatives. Congress and the House Committee on Legislative Franchises also share responsibility for ensuring that only qualified, transparent, and consumer-focused cooperatives receive franchise approvals. If a cooperative fails to deliver affordable and reliable service, consumers have every right to ask whether the approval process was sufficiently rigorous and whether warning signs were adequately scrutinized before a franchise was granted.

“A franchise is a privilege granted in the public interest, not an automatic entitlement. Shared accountability between cooperatives, regulators, and policymakers will help ensure that renewals are based on actual performance and consumer welfare, not simply paperwork and compliance reports,” Satur added.

PARE said franchise renewals must become a platform for transparency, accountability, and genuine consumer participation. Consumers deserve answers, not excuses. Those entrusted with delivering an essential public service must be prepared to demonstrate that they have earned the public’s trust and are capable of fulfilling their responsibilities for the next generation of consumers.

Through its flagship disaster resilience pillar, “Project Bigkis”, Color Your World will complement the ongoing government and partner-led disaster response efforts, and deliver immediate and coordinated humanitarian assistance to thousands of families affected by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that struck offshore Sarangani earlier this week.

“Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao during this devastating time. When disaster strikes, the truest measure of who we are — as organizations, as people — is not what we say, but how quickly and meaningfully we show up. We are committed to acting swiftly:  providing temporary shelter, essential supplies, and the immediate support they need to begin healing,” said Casino Plus Chief Executive Officer Evan Spytma.

Color Your World Foundation will be distributing over PhP 3-million worth of emergency packages consisting of at least 150 livable tents, nearly 1,500 hygiene and medicine kits, over 1000 units of solar-powered lamps and provide potable drinking water in the most-affected areas in General Santos City and Sarangani Province.

“Bigkis means bond. And that is exactly what this response is about — binding resources, binding partners, binding people together around the families who need us most. Because no family should have to face the aftermath of a disaster alone. Casino Plus is here to recolor the lives of Mindanaoans — one family, one community, one act of compassion at a time,” said Michael Angelo Horfilla, Director for Corporate Social Responsibility, Casino Plus

To ensure its long-term commitment to progress and assistance to vulnerable communities, Color Your World Foundation targets to rebuild classrooms. This will ensure safe and functional learning spaces needed by thousands of affected learners and teachers amid the start of the new academic year.

Aside from these, the foundation will also roll out livelihood programs targeting hardest hit communities, equipping them to color their lives again with the skills, tools, and opportunities to rebuild not just their homes but their hope for the future.

“Casino Plus’ commitment goes beyond immediate relief. We are in this for the long term—helping communities rebuild, recover, and rediscover the hope, dignity, and joy that define them. Together with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), we will work to ensure sustained support for the Color Your World Foundation as we continue our mission of helping create more Makulay Lives for Filipinos,” added Spytma.

RYC Wellness Unveils a Dynamic Weekly Lineup Focused on Wellness, Community, Learning, and Social Connection

RYC Wellness continues to redefine the modern wellness experience by offering a diverse lineup of weekly events that cater to personal growth, health, recreation, and meaningful social engagement. More than just a wellness center, RYC Wellness serves as a community hub where guests can discover new experiences, build lasting friendships, and invest in their overall well-being.

Located in a welcoming environment designed to promote both physical and mental wellness, RYC Wellness combines the benefits of a healing café, wellness studio, fitness facilities, therapeutic services, and community-centered events into one unique destination. Through its weekly programming, guests are encouraged to explore different aspects of wellness while enjoying a supportive and engaging atmosphere.

Wellness Wednesday: A Midweek Reset

Every Wednesday, RYC Wellness invites guests to take a well-deserved break from their busy schedules through Wellness Wednesday. Dedicated to self-care and rejuvenation, this weekly event offers guests the opportunity to book facial treatments and wellness services designed to refresh both body and mind.

In today’s fast-paced world, taking time for self-care is often overlooked. Wellness Wednesday serves as a reminder that investing in oneself is not a luxury but an essential part of maintaining overall health and confidence. Guests can enjoy professional treatments while relaxing in a peaceful setting that encourages renewal and restoration.

Therapy Thursday: Conversations That Matter

On Thursdays, RYC Wellness transforms into a space for meaningful dialogue through Therapy Thursday. This weekly gathering provides a welcoming environment where participants can come together to discuss a variety of topics related to personal development, emotional wellness, relationships, stress management, life experiences, and other relevant issues.

Therapy Thursday is built on the belief that healing and growth often begin through open conversation and shared experiences. Guests are encouraged to listen, learn, and contribute to discussions in a respectful and supportive setting. The event fosters a sense of belonging and connection while promoting mental and emotional well-being within the community.

Whether attendees are seeking guidance, inspiration, or simply a place to connect with others, Therapy Thursday offers valuable opportunities for reflection, understanding, and personal growth.

Foreigner’s Friday: Celebrating Culture and Connection

Every Friday, RYC Wellness welcomes international visitors and local guests alike through Foreigner’s Friday, a vibrant social event designed to celebrate cultural exchange and friendship.

As a special welcome, foreign guests receive their first drink free of charge, allowing them to relax and enjoy the evening from the moment they arrive. Additionally, guests accompanying foreign visitors are not required to meet any consumable minimum, making the event even more accessible and enjoyable for groups looking to spend quality time together.

Foreigner’s Friday creates opportunities for people from different backgrounds and cultures to meet, share stories, exchange experiences, and form new friendships. The event embodies RYC Wellness’ commitment to building an inclusive and welcoming community where everyone feels at home.

Guests can enjoy great conversations, refreshing beverages, delicious offerings from the Healing Café, and an atmosphere that encourages social interaction and cultural appreciation.

Sip & Shake Saturday: Dance, Energy, and Fun

The week culminates with Sip & Shake Saturday, one of RYC Wellness’ most exciting and energetic events. Combining music, movement, and social connection, this weekly dance experience invites guests to let loose, have fun, and embrace the joy of dancing.

Participants are guided by some of the area’s most talented and engaging dance instructors, whose passion and expertise help create an enjoyable experience for dancers of all skill levels. Whether someone is stepping onto the dance floor for the first time or looking to improve their technique, Sip & Shake Saturday provides a welcoming environment where everyone can participate with confidence.

Guests can enjoy their favorite beverages while learning new dance moves, meeting new people, and experiencing the positive energy that fills the venue each week. The event promotes physical activity, self-expression, confidence-building, and social interaction—all while having an unforgettable time on the dance floor.

Building a Community Through Wellness

The weekly lineup at RYC Wellness reflects the organization’s mission to create a space where wellness extends beyond fitness and self-care. By bringing together opportunities for relaxation, meaningful conversation, cultural exchange, and recreation, RYC Wellness aims to foster a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

Each event is carefully designed to provide value to guests while encouraging personal growth, social engagement, and overall well-being. Whether visitors are seeking relaxation, support, friendship, education, or entertainment, RYC Wellness offers experiences that enrich their lives throughout the week.

As RYC Wellness continues to grow, it remains committed to creating innovative programs and events that inspire people to live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives.

Guests are encouraged to inquire about upcoming schedules, special activities, and monthly featured events. Everyone is welcome to experience the unique blend of wellness, learning, community, and fun that has become the hallmark of RYC Wellness.

“Our weekly programs are designed to bring people together through wellness, meaningful experiences, and genuine human connection. Whether you’re here to relax, learn, share, or celebrate, there’s always something waiting for you at RYC Wellness.” – RYC Wellness Management Team