NEPC Holds IEC Activity for Bacolod City Vendors

NEPC Holds IEC Activity for Bacolod City Vendors

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NEPC Holds IEC Activity for Bacolod City Vendors to Strengthen Electricity Consumer Awareness

For many vendors in Bacolod City, electricity is more than a utility—it is a lifeline that keeps stalls open, goods fresh, and daily livelihoods running smoothly. Recognizing this reality, Negros Electric Power Corporation (NEPC) recently conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) activity for members of the Federation of Bacolod City Vendors Association (FedBaCVA), reaffirming its commitment to informed, empowered, and responsible electricity consumers.

Held on January 30, 2026, the IEC brought together 30 vendor-participants, all officers and officials representing 17 vendors’ associations across Bacolod City. More than a formal briefing, the activity served as a space for learning, dialogue, and shared understanding—where vendors could better grasp electricity policies that directly affect their daily operations, while also voicing concerns and clarifying long-standing questions.

Creating Awareness Where It Matters Most

The IEC activity focused on strengthening consumer awareness and engagement, particularly on electricity-related concerns that impact small businesses and public market vendors. Topics ranged from NEPC programs and service improvements to consumer rights, obligations, and key electricity laws.

For vendors who rely on stable power for refrigeration, lighting, and point-of-sale operations, understanding how the electricity system works—and how they fit into it—proved invaluable.

NEPC emphasized that informed consumers are empowered consumers, capable of making responsible decisions that benefit not only their own businesses but the entire community.

Clear Information, Shared Responsibility

During the session, Maricel Pe, Assistant Vice President for Customer Care and Marketing, oriented participants on consumer programs available under NEPC, breaking down processes in a way that vendors could easily understand and apply.

Participants were also given a comprehensive overview of NEPC’s progress over the past 16 months, presented by Engr. Leomel “Bong” Tambanillo, who highlighted improvements in service delivery, system reliability, and operational efficiency. His presentation helped vendors appreciate the behind-the-scenes work involved in maintaining and improving the city’s power supply.

Meanwhile, Engr. Edwin M. Montemayor discussed Republic Act No. 7832, underscoring the importance of addressing electricity pilferage and reducing system losses. The discussion resonated with vendors, many of whom acknowledged that responsible electricity use is a shared duty—one that protects honest consumers and helps stabilize service for everyone.

To further strengthen consumer protection awareness, Atty. Ely Niño Azuelo, Junior Legal Officer of Negros Power, explained the Magna Carta for Electricity Consumers, clearly outlining consumer rights and obligations. For many attendees, this was the first time these rights were discussed in such a practical, real-world context.

Vendors Speak: Learning That Empowers

What made the IEC especially meaningful was the response from the participants themselves.

Beboy Vaflor Cañada, one of the vendor leaders present, emphasized how crucial the activity was for their sector:

“This IEC is very important for us vendors because it helps us clearly understand our rights and responsibilities as electricity consumers. Through this discussion, we become more informed and better equipped to cooperate with NEPC for proper and responsible electricity use.”

For vendors juggling rising costs, long hours, and the daily pressures of earning a living, having clarity on electricity policies brought a renewed sense of confidence.

Lucelyn De La Paz echoed this sentiment, expressing appreciation for NEPC’s outreach:

“We thank NEPC for reaching out to the vendors and taking the time to educate us. This IEC strengthens our partnership and gives our members confidence that their concerns are being heard while learning the laws and programs that affect our daily operations.”

Their words reflected a broader feeling in the room—that the IEC was not merely informational, but empowering.

A Productive Dialogue, A Stronger Partnership

Participants described the IEC activity as timely, informative, and meaningful, noting that it allowed for open dialogue, clarification of concerns, and stronger cooperation between NEPC and the vendor sector. Rather than a one-way discussion, the session became a shared learning experience—bridging the gap between service provider and consumer.

For NEPC, initiatives like this IEC underscore a long-term commitment to consumer education, transparency, and community partnership. For vendors, it reinforced the idea that they are not just end-users of electricity, but active stakeholders in building a safer, more reliable power system.

Putting Consumers First

The IEC activity aligns with NEPC’s advocacy, “IKAW ANG UNA,” a reminder that people—and the communities they serve—remain at the heart of its operations. By investing time and effort into educating vendors, NEPC continues to show that progress in the power sector is strongest when consumers are informed, heard, and involved.

As Bacolod City grows and its markets remain vibrant, initiatives like this IEC help ensure that those at the frontline of the local economy—the vendors—are equipped with the knowledge they need to thrive responsibly, confidently, and sustainably.

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