Masbate: Players in the energy sector and the Philippine Navy have joined hands to immediately restore the power situation in Masbate province, after being devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi). In a statement on Monday, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it is now closely coordinating with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the National Power Corporation (NPC), electric cooperatives (ECs), and oil industry players.
According to Philippines News Agency, a 13-member team from the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) arrived in the province Sunday night to provide support to the Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO). Today, nine teams from Bicol Region and three to four others from other regions will be dispatched to Ticao Island to assist Tablas Island Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TIELCO).
In addition, 40 more teams under ECs emergency response program called Task Force Kapatid (TFK) from Central Luzon, Bicol Region, Southern Luzon, Western Visayas, and Central Visayas are bound to Masbate with the help of the Philippine Navy to support reenergization efforts. The statement also noted that several support teams are already in Polambato Port in Cebu, with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) prioritizing their deployment through Pio Duran and Pilar ports.
It said nine units of 12kW single-phase 240 generator sets are already at the Mobo Substation for immediate deployment to critical facilities. It was said earlier that the requested generator sets will be deployed in other vital establishments in Masbate since the hospitals in the province are already using their own units.
In terms of fuel supply, DOE said only 13 of the 27 gasoline stations in the province are operational, but the depots of Filoil in Mobo and Shell in Masbate City are fully operational. ‘Every resource and partner are now on the ground or on the move for Masbate. The full force of the energy sector is united to restore electricity swiftly, protect lifeline facilities, and bring relief to every community affected by the storm,’ Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.