Aklan electric coop hinted reforms

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

ENGR. ROGEN DELOS REYES

Incoming acting general manager Engr. Rogen delos Reyes of Aklan Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Akelco) is bent to streamline the overall operations by introducing reforms in the local cooperative. 

Delos Reyes, current Akelco assistant manager for operations, is keeping a watchful eye on the concerns of electric consumers and the issues directed against the power distribution utility ahead of the Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) to be held on Saturday afternoon in Kalibo, Aklan. 

Delos Reyes appointment effective June 8 is subject to National Electrification Administration (NEA) confirmation. The appointment was recommended by Akelco board of directors last month when the current Akelco general manager Chito Manager hinted to retire from service this June.

Delos Reyes said his initial plans include “the creation of a management team within Akelco to study and provide technical and institutional recommendations on remedial, cost-reduction measures.”

The plans sprang up after NEA auditors on April 1 this year released its ‘adverse’ findings on Akelco’s financial and management affairs covering April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2013. (see related story).

Last May 8, internal auditor Balicas, Lamboso and Company had also its findings and recommendations following the examination of the financial statements of Akelco ending December 31, 2013.

Akelco was cited by NEA audit for ‘numerous and unnecessary hiring of job orders and too many security guards in main office’, he added.

Once he assumed office, Delos Reyes will also ask the Akelco board of directors “for an impartial special audit and assessment of Akelco operations from October 2013 until June 7, 2014.”

He will also look into "the personnel hiring and appointments, bidding and procurement procedures and policies which were all cited in the NEA and internal audit body examinations."

Delos Reyes called on for the support of Akelco employees and the board of directors as changes are being studied and to be implemented for the interest of more than 100,000 member-consumers in Aklan and Antique.