Gov. George Arnaiz yesterday expressed disappointment over the perceived indifference of the Board of Directors of the Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative to the multi-million peso loan being offered by the provincial government to improve its power services.

Arnaiz said the province has offered a P27 million interest-free loan to NORECO II in order for it to purchase equipment and electrical materials needed to ensure efficient and stable supply of electricity. He said the offer was made seven to eight months ago, but until today the cooperative has yet to give its definite response.

But Espiratu Dicen, chairperson of the NORECO II BOD clarified that they had accepted the offer, and there was already a concurrence resolution, except for the objection of two of the seven directors.

When told that the office of the governor might have not been furnished a copy of the resolution, Dicen said he will immediately verify it with office of the NORECO manager.

The NORECO II BOD, he said, is waiting for the Memorandum of Agreement from the provincial government on the loan agreement, adding that they are interested in it since it was a very good offer.

The governor said the offer was made because of the chronic problem of brownouts and low voltage of power even in Dumaguete, which will discourage potential investors.

Lately, he said, he was informed that there are two members of the board who do not want to take the offer.

"There must be something holding them," the governor said.

Arnaiz added that member-consumers of NORECO II should not vote for directors who are not concerned with their well-being.

He said he is also concerned that the campaign of local officials in the province for investment might be derailed in the absence of efficient supply of power.

"We have abundant supply of electricity, but the distribution of electricity is very, very bad," Arnaiz said.*RA

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