MVP to send more linemen for Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has requested additional linemen and equipment from Manila-based power distributor Meralco to speed up the process of energizing the typhoon-ravaged Queen City of the South.

Rama talked with business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan for additional manpower to be deployed in Cebu City. Pangilinan, he said, has already given his nod  to provide augmentation and equipment.

Aside from Cebu City, Meralco linemen will also be sent to other LGUs in Cebu and other affected areas in Central Visayas.

Rama hopes the city’s power will already be restored before the Sinulog.

“Dili mahimo nga kani rang linemen that we have… Adto tas ending sa January ani. So we need more linemen,” said Rama.

Rama also talked with Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi on the progress of the restoration of power here but did not disclose further details about the discussion.

On whether the augmentation linemen will be provided cash assistance, Rama said the city is still focusing on giving financial assistance to affected residents.

“Unahon sa nato ang mga tawo usa nga naigo gyud. Later, kanang mga linemen, we handle it in an appropriate situation… Right now, the incumbent matter is, people are in dire need of their cash assistance. Number 2, of course, power, and then water,” said Rama.

Rama also called on the attention of MCWD after receiving reports from barangays that do not still have water supply even after such barangays have already been energized.

Status

As of 12 noon yesterday, the Visayan Electric has been able to energize 159,737 out of the 474,182 affected customers within its franchise area.

It said that energized areas are from the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, and from the municipality of San Fernando.

It likewise reminded the public that it does not collect fees for energization or repair of collapsed poles or downed lines.

“If there are personnel who offer energization/repair for a fee, please report immediately to 230-8326 or send us a message through our Facebook page,” the firm said.

Modus?

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is looking into reports that some individuals claiming to be contractors of Visayan Electric are asking for payment from residents so the restoration of their power could be prioritized.

Visayan Electric has emphasized that it does not allow such arrangements, encouraging the public to report such modus to them.

Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of CCPO, said they will be coordinating with the power distributor on this illegal racket, which essentially constitutes extortion and is punishable by law.

“Ato nang i-monitor. That would be part of our monitoring sa atong nga personnel na mag-conduct og rekorida, because rekorida has been effective, especially sa atong celebration sa New Year nga walay nagpabuto,” said Parilla.

Parilla said they will conduct massive information drive to emphasize among the Cebuanos that this scheme is not allowed.

“Wala ni siyay kamatuoran and as we have said, naa nay advisory ang VECO ani, so any person nga moadto sa inyoha, report it to the nearest police station aron ma-actionan,” said Parilla.

Mandaue City

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City government is preparing to distribute heavy duty generator sets to each of its 27 barangays as some areas in the city are still without electricity.

The gensets will be also used to power up barangay water systems.

“Giandam na sa kagamhanan sa Dakbayan sa Mandaue ang mga heavy duty generator set nga ihatag sa matag barangay sa Mandaue City aron makatabang sa katawhan sa panginahanglan sa kuryente labi na sa mga mag charge sa ilang mga cellphone ug uban pang mga rechargeable nga kagamitan,” the city’s Public Information Office posted in its Facebook page.

It added that Mayor Jonas Cortes wanted each barangay to have its own genset, especially during these times. – Iris Hazel M. Mascardo, Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon,  Decemay P. Padilla, JMD (FREEMAN)