The National Electrification Administration (NEA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Naga City government are moving forward with plans for an underground cabling project that could serve as a model for climate-resilient power infrastructure in typhoon-prone areas.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, and Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo met on June 20 to discuss the proposed project, including its scope, implementation strategies, and inter-agency coordination requirements. The officials later conducted a site inspection to assess existing infrastructure and technical considerations for the initiative.

The project seeks to improve the reliability and safety of Naga City’s power distribution network by removing overhead utility lines and placing power cables underground, particularly in areas vulnerable to severe weather disruptions.

Administrator Almeda said the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen climate resilience in a city frequently affected by typhoons.

“[W]e’re happy. NEA is happy that we’ll be working with DPWH and the local government of Naga. Alam naman natin na Naga is typhoon-stricken and to promote climate-change resiliency, kasi kada bagyo bagsak nang bagsak ang mga poste rito. Imbes na magpalit tayo ng poste, tatanggalin na natin at ibabaon na natin ang mga kawad ng kuryente,” he said.

Mayor Robredo welcomed the support from both agencies, noting that the proposed pilot area along M.T. Villanueva Avenue is among the city’s busiest thoroughfares.

“Nagpapasalamat po tayo na na-approve ng DPWH at saka ng NEA yung project na prinopose natin. Kasi alam naman ng mga taga-Naga na this [M.T. Villanueva Ave.] is one of the busiest streets in the city,” she said.

According to NEA, the project is intended to serve as a pilot that could pave the way for similar underground cabling initiatives in other parts of the city.

Robredo said the collaboration could demonstrate the viability of underground utility systems for wider adoption.

“So yung coming together po ng DPWH, ng NEA, ia-underground cabling na, hindi lang mai-ease yung hirap ng mga dumadaan dito, pero sana maging proof of concept din siya for the rest of the major thoroughfares in Naga and hopefully, the entire country,” she added.

The meeting was also attended by NEA Senior Technical Consultant Professor Rowaldo “Wali” Del Mundo, engineers from the University of the Philippines, and other NEA officials.

What impact could underground cabling projects have on power reliability and climate resilience in other Philippine cities? Join the discussion.

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