MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) has energized the Pavia Municipal Hall, making Pavia the first local government unit (LGU) to transfer its electricity distribution service to the Iloilo City-based power utility.
The transition, formalized during a ceremony on October 26, 2026, is expected to support the municipality’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and public service delivery under the leadership of Mayor Laurence Anthony Gorriceta.
Pavia Vice Mayor Edsel Gerochi and Sangguniang Bayan members Kevin Zaldarriaga and Gerard Zaldarriaga attended the ceremony, along with MORE Power Vice President for Marketing, Corporate Affairs, and Customer Care Maricris Cabalhin; Quality Assurance Manager Engineer Fil Sonza; and Customer Care Manager Maricon Garido.
Gerochi expressed gratitude to MORE Power for accommodating the municipality’s request, particularly its goal of securing lower electricity rates.
“Very thankful gid sa MORE Power nga ginhatag sa aton nga oportunidad nga makaserbisyo sa banwa sang Pavia kay amon gid ginapangayo ang manubo nga rate,” Gerochi said.
He explained that the municipality’s decision was influenced by its observations of MORE Power’s operations in Iloilo City, particularly the differences in service delivery compared with other electricity distribution utilities.
“Nakita namon sa Iloilo City first. Nakita namon ang difference sa iban nga electric distribution kag nakita namon daku ang deperensya amo na nagsaylo kami,” he said.
Gerochi added that the municipal government had received complaints from barangays about leaning electric posts, delayed service, and slow maintenance response. He said barangays had submitted resolutions to the municipality, which, in turn, raised the concerns with the concerned utility. However, despite follow-ups over several months, progress remained limited.
These concerns, together with the prospect of lower electricity rates and improved service, contributed to Pavia’s decision to transfer to MORE Power.
The municipality’s transition follows the passage of legislation proposed on September 20, 2021, by then Iloilo 2nd District Representative Michael Gorriceta and 4th District Representative Braeden John Biron. The measure sought to provide constituents with access to a modern and reliable power distribution utility.
More establishments make the switch
Pavia Municipal Hall joins a growing number of government offices and businesses in Iloilo province that have transferred their electricity service to MORE Power.
Among them is the Commission on Population and Development, the first government office outside Iloilo City to switch to the utility. The office is also located in Pavia.
New Panay Agri-Ventures Development Inc., more commonly known as Lovefeeds, a feed manufacturer based in the municipality, has likewise made the transition.
In neighboring San Miguel, Iloilo, Egger Poultry Farm Incorporated became the first commercial establishment in the town to transfer to MORE Power.
MORE Power President and CEO Roel Z. Castro expressed appreciation for the growing confidence of government and business partners in the company.
“MORE Power is truly grateful for the trust given to us by our partners who chose us to be their trusted electric distributor. As we continue to invest in expansion to other municipalities, we also elevate the level of customer service that our partners will experience. We are glad to be part of the solution for our partners,” Castro said.
To date, 21 accounts belonging to various establishments across Iloilo province have transferred to MORE Power, reflecting the utility’s expanding reach beyond Iloilo City.
For Pavia, the energization of its municipal hall represents more than a change in electricity provider. It marks a step toward the municipality’s goal of improving government operations, addressing service concerns, and delivering more efficient public services to its constituents.
