Bukidnon co-op lights up Christmas park amid power challenges

Giant holiday greeting letters tower atop the FIBECO main office in Maramag, Bukidnon, signaling the official start of the Christmas season. “Malipayong Pasko” means Merry Christmas or “Maligayang Pasko” in Filipino. – Photo by Fibeco MARAMAG, Bukidnon — Amid rising electricity rates, subscribers of the First Bukidnon Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FIBECO) found a glimmer of holiday cheer as the country ushers in the “ber months.” FIBECO officially kicked off the 2026 Christmas season with a simple yet meaningful Christmas park lighting ceremony on Tuesday at its main office grounds in Maramag, Bukidnon—marking the cooperative’s first-ever switch-on ceremony of its kind. READ: Bukidnon electric coop implements emergency shutdown amid thin supply Article continues after this advertisement Officials, management, staff, and employees gathered to witness the event, which brought a festive atmosphere to the community. Jemilo Pelimer, FIBECO acting general manager, emphasized that the early holiday lighting reflects the cooperative’s dedication to service excellence and community engagement, even amid operational challenges such as unscheduled power interruptions. Glecy Heyasa, the distribution utility’s information officer, noted that the illuminated park is expected to serve as a gathering spot for families and a visual reminder of FIBECO’s role in powering not just homes, but also local celebrations and shared moments during the world’s longest Christmas season. Bukidnon is facing rising electricity rates due to transmission surges, plant forced outages, derated capacities, and surging power demand/coa Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.