Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has offered to deploy technical personnel, line crews, and equipment to assist South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO II) in restoring electricity services following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern Mindanao on June 8.

The offer forms part of Meralco’s disaster response efforts and long-standing commitment to mutual assistance among distribution utilities, according to a statement released by the company on June 10.

SOCOTECO II’s franchise area includes General Santos City and parts of Sarangani and South Cotabato, which were among the areas affected by the earthquake.

“As an expression of solidarity with SOCOTECO II and the communities it serves, Meralco has offered to deploy technical personnel, line crews, and equipment to help accelerate the inspection, repair, and restoration activities,” said Meralco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.

He added that any deployment would be subject to appropriate coordination arrangements with the electric cooperative.

Alongside its restoration support offer, Meralco and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) have begun distributing relief assistance to affected communities in General Santos City, Sarangani, and nearby areas.

The assistance includes food packs, bottled water, drinking water, and solar lanterns for residents and institutions impacted by the earthquake. Meralco said it is also working with local partners to ensure relief reaches evacuation areas, hospitals, and communities requiring urgent assistance.

Among the initial beneficiaries are St. Elizabeth Hospital, Socsargen County Hospital, and other health facilities that requested drinking water and emergency supplies. Additional relief assistance is also being prepared for affected coastal communities in Glan, Sarangani.

Aperocho said the company remains committed to supporting both immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts in the affected areas.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Southern Mindanao, especially the families, communities, health workers, emergency responders, and utility personnel affected by this earthquake,” he said. “In times like this, the spirit of bayanihan even becomes more meaningful. Meralco and One Meralco Foundation will continue to extend assistance to affected communities and support recovery efforts in whatever way we can.”

Meralco said it recognizes the critical role of electricity in disaster response and recovery, particularly in supporting hospitals, emergency services, water systems, and affected communities.

The company added that it will continue coordinating with local government units, SOCOTECO II, and community partners to identify additional needs and extend further assistance as recovery efforts in Southern Mindanao continue.

How important is utility-to-utility cooperation in accelerating power restoration efforts following major natural disasters?

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