The Department of Energy has mobilized the full strength of the energy sector to restore electricity in Masbate, where communities remain without power after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Opong.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin stated on Monday that the National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation, electric cooperatives (ECs), and oil industry partners have joined the effort to light up the province.
However, the agency has not provided a definitive timeline on when the region’s power services will be restored.
“Every resource and partner is 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,” Garin said.
A 13-member team from the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative arrived on Sunday night to provide support to the Masbate Electric Cooperative, in addition to several other teams that will also be dispatched from Romblon.
Meanwhile, Garin said that the NPC is also stepping up its support by enlisting the Philippine Navy to ferry vehicles and personnel from Luzon to reinforce its Power Restoration Task Force in Masbate.
NPC has set up nine units of 12kW single-phase generator sets at the Mobo substation in Masbate for immediate deployment to critical facilities.
The DOE stated that previously requested generator sets will be redirected to other vital establishments in the province that require emergency backup power, as hospitals in Masbate are already equipped with their own units.
On the other hand, the agency stated that fuel supply has been secured, as both Filoil’s depot in Mobo and Shell’s depot in Masbate City are fully operational, with regular replenishments scheduled.
DOE added that out of 27 gasoline stations in Masbate, 13 are operational, ensuring fuel for restoration teams and essential services.
However, the agency said that 25 ECs in 22 provinces across eight regions remain under monitoring due to the combined effects of the recent string of weather disturbances.
Of these, two are still experiencing total power interruption, and 18 are under partial power interruption. At the same time, five have already restored normal operations, including Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Capiz Electric Cooperative, Quezon I Electric Cooperative, Camarines Sur I Electric Cooperative, and Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative. –
