ENGR. CLAUDIO CALUGAN ELECTED AS NEW BENECO BOARD CHAIRPERSON; JOEL CERVANTES NAMED VICE-CHAIR

By: Laarni S. Ilagan

The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) Board of Directors (BOD) has unanimously elected Engr. Claudio Calugan, Director of District 5 (Baguio City), as its new Board Chairperson, with media personality Joel Cervantes, Director of District 7 (Benguet), elected as Vice-Chairperson.

The election and oath-taking were held today, marking a new chapter in the cooperative’s leadership.

In a brief ceremonial turnover, outgoing Chairperson Atty. George Dumawing Jr. (District 9–Benguet) formally handed over the chairman’s gavel to Engr. Calugan symbolizes the official transfer of authority following the board’s decision. Calugan previously served as vice-chairperson during Dumawing’s term.

Engr. Calugan and Cervantes will serve in their respective posts effectively January 8 until December 31, 2026.

The oath of office was administered by BENECO Legal Officer Atty. Mylene Manogan, and witnessed by the cooperative’s management team led by General Manager Melchor S. Licoben, along with fellow members of the Board of Directors: Josephine Aclayan (District 2-Baguio City), Alex Bomogao (District 1-Baguio), Fernando Abello (District 8-Benguet), Engr. Wilfredo Diano (District 10-Benguet), Juanito Bagayao (District 11–Benguet), Joseph Zambrano (District 3-Baguio), and Roseller Ascano (District 4–Baguio City).

The election continues the BENECO Board’s long-standing tradition of alternating its top leadership between representatives from Benguet and Baguio City, reflecting balanced representation within the cooperative’s franchise area.

Under the leadership of Atty. Dumawing and Engr. Calugan, the Board, working closely with BENECO management, achieved several significant milestones, including the approval of the cooperative’s franchise and the securing of its long-term power supply—outcomes that capped years of sustained effort by previous boards and the BENECO team. (LSI)