POWERING CATANDUANES
Meralco and First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative crews work arm-in-arm around the clock to repair severely damaged poles and fast-track power restoration efforts in Catanduanes, one of the provinces most severely affected by the impact of super typhoon Rolly
By Alithea De Jesus
In its desire to fast track the power restoration of the Rolly-battered Cantanduanes province, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) deployed a team of line crews and equipment to assist in repairing power infrastructures damaged by super typhoon Rolly and expedite the restoration in the province of Catanduanes.
With its 48-man contingent composed of Meralco linemen and engineers and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) volunteers, these team members were included in the Power Restoration Rapid Deployment (PRRD)-Task Force 2020, which closely coordinates with the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA), Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. (Philreca), and the Electric Cooperatives in Catanduanes.
After more than 25 hours of land travel, Meralco’s contingent arrived at Virac, the capital of Catanduanes on November 8 and immediately began working around the clock to expedite the restoration of power services in affected areas in the province.
Meralco added its contingent traveled to Catanduanes aboard 17 vehicles composed of Augers, AUVs/SUVs, Basket Trucks, Pick-Ups, and Stake Trucks to be used in the power restoration of the affected areas.
Prior to leaving for Manila, the Meralco contingent also undertook RT-PCR test in compliance with health and safety protocols imposed by the Government and ensure the non-transmission of Covid-19 and that the deployed team are fit to work.Â
