Please read and sign our online petition against the privatization and sale of Agus-Pulangui.

“The privatization of the Agus and Pulangi power complexes by 2011 as provided by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, will complicate the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Dr. Melchie Ambalong, president of the Lanao Power Consumers Federation (Lapocof) and MCW commissioner, said. ““Control of territory and natural resources are vital elements in the negotiation. Privatization will stand in the way of the political settlement.” … Read the full article on MindaNews.

MCW Commissioner Dr. Melchie Ambalong meets with Iligan City councilors on May 30, 2010 to support her group’s campaign on “No To Privatization of Agus Pulangui Hydro Plants.”

For a long time, Mindanaoans enjoy the lowest electricity rates in the country thanks to the Agus/Pulangui Hydro Complexes located in Iligan City.  But this benefit might soon be gone if plans to privatize the hydro plants will push through in 2011 in accordance with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001.  To oppose this, a group called Lanao Power Consumers Federation  (LAPOCOF) was formed which is headed by MCW Commissioner Dr. Melchie Ambalong.  The group believes that privatization and sale will result to hikes in power rates and other disadvantages for Mindanawons.  Last May 30, 2010, Dr. Ambalong met with Iligan City councilors asking for their support to the “No To Privatization of Agus Pulangui Hydro Plants” campaign.

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About 35 participants attended the Islamic Seminar hosted by the Iligan Bae Rawatun Peace Circle headed by ACG member Celia M. Rajah on May 30, 2010 at Madrasha Upper Hinaplanon, Iligan City.   The topic was “Ten (Attitudes of a Woman That Can Lead her to Success on Earth and in the Hereafter.”

PEACE thru PPCRV volunteers in Iligan

During the May 10, 2010 polls, MCW ACG Lanao del Norte participated in the monitoring of the country’s first automated elections.  ACG members together with youth volunteers worked together with the People’s Electoral Alliance for Credible Election (PEACE) through the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) in guarding the votes and reporting of incidents.  PEACE was organized through the initiative of MCW Commissioner and ACG Lanao coordinator Dr. Melchie Ambalong.

Areas in Lanao del Sur where youths have volunteered for PEACE thru PPCRV are: Wato, Marantao, Binidayan, Bayang, Lumbatan, Saguiaran, Ramain, Bubong, Buadi Puso, Mulondo, Tugaya and Marawi City. Lanao del Norte: Pantar, Balo-I, Taguluan, Matunggaw, Munai, Tangkal, Kauswagan, Linamon and Kapatagan. Iligan City: Tubod, Mahayahay, Tibanga, Rogongon, Panoroganan, Kalilanga, Tipanoy, Dulag, Mandulog, Tibanga, Tipanoy, Fuentes, Pala-o and Quezon Avenue.