THE Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) has sent a team of line crews and equipment to assist and expedite the repair of power infrastructures damaged by Super Typhoon Rolly in Catanduanes.
A 48-man contingent composed of MERALCO linemen and engineers and One Meralco Foundation (OMF) volunteers were enlisted to be part of the Power Restoration Rapid Deployment Task Force 2020, which closely coordinates with the Department of Energy, National Electrification Administration, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, and various electric cooperatives. MERALCO is particularly working with the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, the province’s power distributor.
The MERALCO contingent arrived in the capital town of Virac on November 8 and immediately began working around the clock to restore power in the island province.
Rolly, the world’s strongest cyclone so far this year, first made landfall in the town of Bato on November 1 and left widespread damage throughout Catanduanes and the rest of Bicol.
MERALCO, the country’s largest power utility, added that its contingent traveled to the province aboard 17 vehicles that composed of Augers, AUVs, SUVs, Basket Trucks, Pick-Ups, and Stake Trucks to be used in the power restoration of the affected areas.
Prior to leaving to Manila, the MERALCO contingent also undertook RT-PCR tests in compliance with health and safety protocols imposed by the Government and ensure the non-transmission of COVID-19 and that the deployed team members are fit to work.