SARANGANI PROVINCE — Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Sarangani have thrown their support behind the proposed joint venture between Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and the South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II), saying improved power reliability is crucial for their survival and development in upland areas.

The Municipal Tribal Councils of Maasim and Maitum have separately passed resolutions endorsing Meralco’s offer, emphasizing that persistent power issues under SOCOTECO II have long hampered essential services in their ancestral domains.

In Resolution No. 004-25, approved on November 25, the Maasim Tribal Council cited SOCOTECO II’s “alleged operational and financial difficulties” that have led to an unstable power supply across the franchise area — including “several IP-dominated upland sitios and barangays.”

“Access to stable and affordable electricity is essential for the development of IP communities — particularly in education, agro-forestry, small enterprises, safety, and cultural livelihood programs,” the resolution stated.

A similar endorsement was passed during the Council’s November 12 regular session, reaffirming support while stressing non-negotiables for indigenous groups.

Both Maasim and Maitum IP leaders underscored that their backing is conditional: the joint venture must safeguard cultural rights, ancestral domain protection, and ensure inclusive development for tribes living in far-flung areas.

“After due consideration, the Council recognizes that the joint venture has substantial benefits to IP communities, provided, however, that the cultural rights, ancestral domain protection, and inclusive development principles are to be upheld,” the resolutions read.

Meralco’s proposal comes amid ongoing debates over SOCOTECO II’s performance, as consumers, local leaders, and industry stakeholders continue to seek long-term solutions to chronic power instability in Sarangani and General Santos City.