With monsoon rains intensified by tropical depression “Dante” inundating parts of Luzon and the Visayas, the Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday activated emergency measures to secure electricity supply for hospitals, evacuation centers, and essential fuel transport.

DOE Secretary Sharon S. Garin convened a late-day emergency meeting of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) on July 22 to coordinate the power sector’s response. “We must maintain vigilance and swift action,” said Garin, stressing the need to sustain energy services that support emergency and medical operations.

The DOE instructed the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to prioritize the restoration and maintenance of electricity in critical health facilities. The Department of Health (DOH) identified four NCR hospitals highly vulnerable to flooding: San Lorenzo Ruiz General Hospital in Malabon, Tondo Medical Center in Manila, Valenzuela Medical Center, and Amang Rodriguez Memorial Medical Center in Marikina.

Secretary Garin ordered Meralco to craft long-term, flood-resilient power solutions for these hospitals.

Meralco was also directed to deploy a generator set to the Roman Tantiongco Memorial Elementary School in Morong, Rizal, which is being used as an evacuation center. Garin emphasized ensuring uninterrupted power to safeguard evacuees’ welfare.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) was tasked with validating the power status of electric cooperatives in affected areas and monitoring off-grid communities that may face delays in restoration support.

To prevent disruptions in aviation fuel supply, Garin requested the Toll Regulatory Board to ensure unimpeded passage of fuel tankers from Subic and Bataan to Metro Manila via key tollways, including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). The move is intended to avert delays in fuel deliveries to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other priority facilities.

Meanwhile, the DOE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) and Meralco will inspect the four at-risk hospitals and extend technical assistance to improve their flood resiliency.

DOE Undersecretary and TFER Chairperson Felix William B. Fuentebella also reminded the National Power Corporation to provide visual documentation of its compliance with dam spilling protocols. Meralco and NEA were urged to intensify public advisories on electrical safety during floods.

The DOE pledged ongoing coordination with the DOTr, DOH, DSWD, and DILG to ensure critical facilities remain powered during the ongoing emergency, and to protect public safety across affected areas.

What else can the power sector do to climate-proof vital services like hospitals and evacuation sites? Share your insights.

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