Izabella Roque
For days since Severe Tropical Storm Opong left, Masbate and other affected regions are left grappling to recover in the dark.
The electricity posts all over Masbate, Ticao Island, and other provinces affected by the typhoons have been devastated by Typhoon Opong and will take approximately one month to repair fully.
However, various members of the energy sector have joined hands in trying to restore the power faster.
The Department of Energy (DOE) shared in a statement that they are now working closely with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the National Power Corporation (NPC), electric cooperatives (ECs), and oil industry players.
A 13-member First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) team has already arrived to support the Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO).
They will be joined by nine more teams from Region V, while three to four others will be dispatched to Ticao Island to back up the Tablas Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TIELCO).
The DOE will also be mobilizing 40 more teams under EC's emergency response program, Task Force Kapatid (TFK), from Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Southern Luzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas with the help of the Philippine Navy.
As of Monday, September 29, 25 ECs in 22 provinces across eight regions remain under monitoring due to the combined effects of Typhoon Nando, Opong, and Habagat.
Eighteen ECs are still experiencing partial outages, while five have restored normal operations.
MASELCO and TISELCO remain under total power interruptions.
“Every resource and partner are now on the ground or on the move for Masbate. The full force of the energy sector is united to restore electricity swiftly, protect lifeline facilities, and bring relief to every community affected by the storm,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
