After the forged partnership with Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) when they donated supplies for schools a week ago, the electric utility provider deepened the connection with the Department of Education Tagum City Division in resolving concerns of schools pertaining to electric bills.
In a meeting with Nordeco management team headed by Area Manager II Demetrio L. Jagunoz, Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Josephine L. Fadul discussed issues and concerns of schools like late payment, penalties and surcharges among others.
In a productive engagement, it was agreed that starting next year, delivery of billing statements will be centralized and the payment will be processed by the Budget Office while checks delivered to Nordeco will be handled by DepEd staff.
Schools must also submit one meter number while the bills will be charged against the subsidy allocated by the Local Government Unit of Tagum City and the remaining excess obligation will be charged against local funds.
“Majority of your schools experienced the same sentiments like late billing, arrears and penalties, and long queuing while paying at the Office and we wanted to fix things with DepEd,” Jagunoz responded to SDS Fadul and ASDS Dr. Melanie P. Estacio.
ASDS Estacio closed the meeting saying that DepEd hopes to foster harmonious relationship with Nordeco in the years to come.
Also present during the meeting were School Governance and Operations Division Chief Josefina B. Palaca, President of Secondary School Principals Mr. Roger A. Martinez, and Nordeco personnel Mr. Earl Carl Erfe and Mam Rhodora Nueva.
(By Anwar Maadel)
