Baguio: The Benguet Electric Cooperative announced on Tuesday that it plans to distribute over PHP3.3 million in interest earnings to member-consumers who have contributed their capital share. This comes after the cooperative registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and collected capital shares from its members.

According to Philippines News Agency, the cooperative's general manager, Melchor Licoben, conveyed that the capital share of the 60,915 consumer-members is safely stored in the bank and awaits utilization for an upcoming energy generation project. The stored funds have been accruing interest, which the cooperative has decided to distribute proportionately to those who have paid their share. This decision reflects a commitment to transparency and ensuring that the funds benefit members while primary projects are still on the horizon.

Licoben emphasized that although the principal capital is earmarked for future renewable energy projects, the management is dedicated to ensuring that the interim interest earnings are returned to the community. The release of these interest earnings is scheduled to occur during the 45th Annual General Membership Assembly in June.

This marks the third consecutive year that Beneco has returned earnings to its members, a tradition that began in 2024. The cooperative previously distributed PHP2.2 million in earnings in 2025 and PHP629,580 in 2024. Originally registered with the National Electrification Administration, Beneco transitioned to registration with the CDA in 2020 to leverage the benefits available to CDA-registered cooperatives.