Should she win the presidency in the May 2022 elections, Vice President Leni Robredo says she would prioritize “putting electric and communication lines underground, particularly in typhoon-prone areas.”
In a post on her personal Facebook page, Robredo said this was “one realization she had from the series of very strong typhoons which hit our country.” The Vice President recently visited Bohol and Cebu, which were among those badly hit Typhoon Odette. Bohol remains the only province entirely without power, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
“First, in the long run, this would be cost-effective compared to the recurring costly rehabilitation of above-ground electric and communication lines and posts which are felled and destroyed by typhoons,” said Robredo, a graduate of the University of the Philippines School of Economics.
“Second, the disruption and absence of power and communication services adversely affect the economy and business,” she added.
“Third, the extension of health, hygiene and sanitation services is greatly hampered. This includes the conduct of both virtual and face-to-face classes,” pointed out the Vice President, who long before entering politics has been used to grassroots exposure.
Robredo said the measure was already being pushed by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, whose province is located along the country’s typhoon belt.
“It is high time to start giving it very serious consideration,” Robredo said.
Photo from Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative Facebook page.