MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)--Expressing deep concern over persistent power outages in Western Visayas, especially Iloilo, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri demands immediate action from the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
"I am incensed and dismayed by the power outages plaguing Western Visayas. The DOE and NGCP must quickly resolve this issue to prevent irreparable damage to our communities," he said.
The senate president (SP) called it an alarming sign. He stressed that the government should not burden citizens as 2024 begins.
"Hindi magandang senyales lalo na't sinasalubong natin ang bagong taon. Hindi dapat abala at kahirapan ang hatid ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan sa pagpasok ng 2024," he said.
Zubiri emphasized the far-reaching consequences of frequent power interruptions, affecting businesses, livelihoods, and the delivery of vital services.
He also cited critical situations in hospitals.
"Sa ospital, delikado ang kawalan ng kuryente. Paano yung mga nasa incubator, life-support, at yung kailangang mag-dialysis sa araw na walang kuryente? Habang tumatagal ang power outages, nalalagay sa peligro ang ating mga kababayan. (In hospitals, outages endanger lives, especially those in incubators, on life support, and requiring dialysis. Prolonged outages put our citizens at risk)," he explained.
Zubiri urges prompt action, transparency, and a comprehensive plan from concerned agencies to address outage causes.
"The DOE and NGCP must understand the gravity of this situation and act decisively. They should get their acts together immediately," he pointed out.
The senator asserted that the DOE and NGCP need to get to the bottom of these disruptive outages and ensure power is restored to every household and establishment in Panay Island, Guimaras, and Negros Island because the government will not stand by idly while fellow Filipinos suffer due to lack of sense of urgency in addressing power woes in the region.
"If needed, we will investigate to uncover the issue's root cause," Zubiri declared. (Office of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri/PIA 10/Bukidnon
