Electric cooperatives and other organizations and associations initiated the “Power Restoration Rapid Deployment (PRRD) Task Force Kapatid Typhoon Tisoy” to help typhoon-stricken provinces in Region 5 restore power and electricity.
According to a SunStar report, the initiative extended a helping hand to Bicol and its neighboring provinces in an effort to immediately restore electric power through setting up poles, replacing power lines, and repairing facilities needed in the distribution of electric power to communities, industries, and establishments.
The electric cooperatives, comprised of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association (PHILRECA), the PHILRECA Partylist, the Central Luzon Electric Cooperatives Association (CLECA), and other partylist groups, under the guidance of the National Electrification Administration (NEA), deployed more than 500 linemen and technical personnel, with 60 trucks, service vehicles, and other equipment needed to replace almost 3,500 electric poles and numerous power lines.
According to the report, the initiative, now popularly known as “Task Force PRRD,” began 20 years ago under former NEA Administrator Edita S. Bueno in a bid to help electric cooperatives in times of distress and typhoons.
An interviewed lineman expressed that the endeavor is not as simple as they will be deployed miles from their families, with the target date for completion just a few days before Christmas. It was expressed that nobody would want to spend the holidays away from their respective homes.
But charity comes first, was the initiative’s mantra.
Meanwhile, CLECA President Reynaldo Villanueava reminded the contingents to be extra careful in performing their tasks and expressed his appreciation for the sacrifices the linemen hat to offer in the name of public service.