PASAY CITY -- Senator Win Gatchalian extolled the selflessness and tireless efforts of electrical linemen and crew members who often do not receive the recognition they deserve for the services they perform working around the clock and mostly in dangerous conditions repairing damaged poles to restore power lines.

“Behind every electric utility is a team of folks who have signed up to embrace the challenge of a job that would entail them to work 21 to 32 meters from the ground, ready to respond to outages caused by natural and man-made calamities. They deserve the recognition for providing the much-needed customer service,” Gatchalian said.

Efforts of the likes of Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (Noreco) lineman Ronald Gallarde should be acknowledged and honored as his service caused his life, the senator said.

A resident of Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, Gallarde was electrocuted last December 25 while working on top of an electric post in Barangay Tugas that was toppled by typhoon Odette.

“Their steadfast commitment to serving their customers, even in the face of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, merits a commendation as it does not only reflect their dedication to their work but sacrifices as well. Incidents like these once again display the Filipinos’ resiliency and indomitable spirit amid challenges,” the Senate Energy Committee Chairperson said.

As of December 29, at least 859 line workers and 150 boom trucks have been deployed to Regions VI, VII, VIII, X, and CARAGA, as per the Task Force Kapatid (TFK) inventory report. TFK was formed to help members whose power distribution lines were battered by typhoons.

A 56-man team from the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) was sent to Cebu last December 21 along with 11 boom trucks and mechanized equipment to assist the Visayan Electric Co. (VECO) on the power restoration of downed distribution lines, the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (Philreca) said that TFK is in full swing to restore damaged poles, wires, and transformers.

“They spent their holidays in the field, away from their families just so they could be of assistance to the affected electric cooperatives. These so-called ‘warriors of light’ are the best example of the Filipino bayanihan spirit. We have to help each other so we can rise above these tragedies,” Gatchalian said.

The senator called on the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to ensure that the logistical needs of TFK are being provided to expedite repair and rehabilitation works in the devastated areas. (OSWG)