Task Force Kapatid Boracay to hasten power rehab

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Electric cooperatives (ECs) in Western Visayas region offered their manpower and logistics assistance to fastrack the rehabilitation program in Boracay Island.

 

PHOTO AKELCO

Task Force Kapatid (Bayanihan) volunteer-workers from 10 ECs were mobilized on September 6 to ensure the speedy rehabilitation before the island resort opens to tourists on October 26.

The participating ECs are Iloilo Electric Cooperative (Ileco I), lleco II and Ileco III, Capiz Electric Cooperative (Capelco), Guimaras Electric Cooperative (Guimelco), Antique Electric Cooperative (Anteco), Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco), Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco), Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco).

Task Force Kapatid was instituted between electric cooperatives and the National Electric Administration (NEA) to help ECs in the immediate rehabilitation of distribution lines in times of calamities.

“The Task force Kapatid Boracay was mobilized in 1997 and 2002. This is the 3^rd time for the task force to help Boracay in its electrification program under the supervision of NEA. Isang buwan sila sa Boracay at may extension pag hindi pa matapos ang rehabilitasyon sa Oktubre,” said Akelco general manager Engr. Alexis Regalado.

The task force deployed 80 technical personnel, utility vehicles and heavy line trucks to relocate more than 400 electric posts affected by the 12-meter expansion of Boracay main road from Cagban (Manoc-Manoc) to Balabag plaza.

Three engineers from NEA will be supervising also the rehabilitation works of Task Force Kapatid. 

 NEA deputy administrator for Technical Services Engr. Artis Nikki Tortola, Aklan District Engineer Noel Puentebella, Public Works assistant regional director Engr. Jose Al Fruto and Environment Undersecretary Sherwin Rigor were also present during the launching of Task Force Kapatid Boracay.

Tortola stressed the Task Force Kapatid Boracay vows to complete the rehabilitation works on time for the Boracay re-opening. 

 

"Sila ang grupo na magtatrabaho para ayusin ang linya sa isla.  Dala nila ang kanilang mga gamit at sasakyan. For so long a time, ito na ang kultura  ng ECs natin kasama ang NEA sa tuwing may mabibigat na trabaho at may calamity na nangyayari. Umaasa kayo na itong grupo ay gagawin ang lahat upang mapabilis ang pag-ayos ng linya ng Akelco," he added. 

Last April 26, the three barangays of Boracay Island - Yapak, Balabag and Manoc-Manoc - within the franchise area of Akelco was placed under state of calamity by President Rodrigo Duterte. The island was shutdown to tourists due to environmental woes and violations of environmental laws of establishments.