Dinagat Islands electric cooperative joins TF Kapatid for Uwan-hit Catanduanes
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Dinagat Islands Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DIELCO) deployed three of its line crew members to join the Task Force Kapatid and assisted the power restoration and rehabilitation efforts in the province of Catanduanes in the Bicol region, where Super Typhoon (STY) Uwan severely damaged distribution lines and facilities on November 9.
In Uwan’s aftermath, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) initially reported that 26 electric cooperatives in six regions in the country were experiencing blackouts, including the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO).
In the spirit of solidarity and ‘bayanihan’ or locally known as communal work and cooperation, the NEA, together with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association and other partner stakeholders, activated the Task Force Kapatid, a disaster response initiative dedicated to assisting electric cooperatives in calamity-hit areas.
With the mobilization of the Task Force Kapatid, line crews from the member cooperatives of the Association of Caraga Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (ACEC) were requested to assist the province and ensure the rapid restoration of electricity services for the people of Cantanduanes.
Included in the crew are line workers from DIELCO, namely, Jessie C. Romano (team leader), Jomari S. Ares (line crew), and Zaldy C. Cosmod (driver and heavy equipment operator), who safely arrived in Catanduanes on Nov. 15.
They were also joined by line workers from Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative (ANECO), Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO), Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative (SURNECO), Surigao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SURSECO I and II), and Siargao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO).
“Mainit at buong-puso kaming sinalubong ng FICELCO. Andito kami para tumulong para sa mas mabilis at ligtas na power restoration sa buong probinsya. (We were warmly and heartily welcomed by FICELCO. We are here to help the electric cooperative speed up and ensure a safe power restoration in the entire province,” Romano said.
For DIELCO, this deployment highlights the electric cooperative’s commitment to bayanihan, bringing light, hope, and recovery to communities in need.
With Task Force Kapatid now on the ground, FICELCO reported on Nov. 17 the progress of the power restoration in Catanduanes. As of 6:30 a.m., barangay energization is now at 24.44 percent, while household energization is at 37.36 percent.
Meanwhile, DIELCO is an electric cooperative that exclusively operates the electric light and power distribution in the seven municipalities of the Province of Dinagat Islands.
It is also tasked to realize the total rural electrification program for the entire island province through the delivery of efficient, reliable, quality, and sustainable electric power, and in the provision of sincere, honest, and prompt service to the member-consumers as a catalyst for progress and countryside development. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands)
