As of Nov. 28, 2024, the estimated damage wrought by super typhoon “Pepito” to the distribution line facilities of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) has reached P90 million, according to General Manager Engr. Francis A. Gianan.
The cyclone’s 195-kph sustained winds affected a total of 1,015 structures (including poles and pole top assemblies) as well as 11,022 kWh meters.
The island cooperative and its 60,000 member-consumer-owners are fortunate that the Task Force Kapatid sent by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PhilRECA) and National Electrification Administration (NEA) has brought not only personnel and equipment to help restore power supply in the 11 towns but also donated electrical equipment to typhoon-stricken electric cooperatives in the Bicol region.
Last week, the Region VII Electric Cooperatives’ Association (CEVECA) Inc. – composed of Bantayan Electric Cooperative (BANELCO), Bohol Electric Cooperative (BOHECO) I and BOHECO II, Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO) I, CEBECO II and CEBECO III, Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO) I and NORECO II, and Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (PROSIELCO) – pooled resources to provide vital electrical equipment and resources worth a total of P4.2 million in a notable demonstration of solidarity.
This timely assistance comprising essentially of kilowatt-hour meters, conductors, and insulators, were turned over to the Bicol Electric Cooperatives Association (BECA) on Nov. 26, 2024 and will significantly expedite the restoration efforts of the affected electric cooperatives in the region.
Last Monday (Dec. 1), NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, PhilRECA Partlist Cong. Presley de Jesus, PhilRECA General Manager and Executive Director Atty. Janeene Depay-Colingan, and Head Executive Assistant Anna Clarisse Reyes planed in to check on the progress of the joint effort to restore power service in the Catanduanes grid.
They met with FICELCO officials headed by Board President Rodolfo Vargas Jr, and GM Gianan as well as representatives of the 25 electric cooperatives that comprise the TF Kapatid teams in Catanduanes.
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The electric cooperatives’ show of unity and brotherhood is remarkable and deserves to be emulated by water districts nationwide and the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
For many typhoons already, Virac Water District has essentially worked on its own to restore its damaged transmission lines without outside assistance, except in the case of STY “Pepito” as ARDCI Microfinance, Inc. stepped in to provide a team of welders to assist in the restoration of water supply.
Last week, LWUA reportedly called on Congress to establish a Quick Response Fund (QRF) to address infrastructure damage brought by typhoons on water districts.
How the affected WDs can access the fund in the future still has to be threshed out but if the present setup at LWUA is to be used as basis, it would prove to be difficult for WDs seeking help.
According to some WD officials, bureaucratic red tape is slowing down transactions at the LWUA, with even the application for increased water rates and the septage fees of the VIWAD still pending approval in Manila nearly two years after they were filed.
Also, the relatively high interest rates and the alleged requirement that LWUA would identify the materials supplier reportedly prevents WDs from accessing its loan for essential infrastructure improvements.
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FRIDAY MEETINGS. One CEO always scheduled staff meetings for 4:30 on Friday afternoons.
When one of the employees finally got up the nerve to ask why, the CEO explained: “I’ll tell you why—it’s the only time of the week when none of you seems to want to argue with me.”