Photo credit: NEA

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) on Tuesday recognized the efforts of Task Force Kapatid (TFK) lineworkers for restoring 97% of power in Masbate 23 days after Typhoon ‘Opong’ struck the province.

The Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO) is on track to fully restore electricity to all households under its franchise by 31 October 2025, according to the NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (DRRMD).

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda personally led a sendoff ceremony in Masbate City to thank the linemen for their work. “I have no words… I really made sure to catch up with you. When I learned that you were having your sendoff, I said, ‘wait for me, I’m coming,’ because I wanted to personally thank all of you,” he said.

Almeda highlighted that the restoration effort exceeded initial expectations, which had projected a month-long recovery. “When I spoke with Governor Richard Kho, I said I wouldn’t make promises but would do everything we could. With Task Force Kapatid mobilized, I was confident we could make it happen,” he added.

The NEA chief noted that immediate coordination with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) and local government officials enabled the swift deployment of manpower and materials. He described the effort as a demonstration of the TFK program’s spirit of solidarity: a nationwide mutual aid initiative among electric cooperatives during calamities.

“Let us never grow tired of helping. May our hearts and minds always remain open to those in need,” Almeda said, emphasizing ongoing cooperation and compassion in disaster response.

MASELCO will complete service to the remaining three percent of households in the coming days. Almeda returned to Manila expressing pride in the achievements of the TFK lineworkers.

How can mutual aid initiatives like Task Force Kapatid be strengthened to improve resilience against future storms? Share your thoughts.

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