The Department of Energy is aiming to restore before Christmas full power in Catanduanes which was devastated by typhoon “Rolly.”
Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said they have started to assess the damage to power infrastructure, purchase supplies, and deploy teams to help bring back the electricity supply in the calamity area.
"We are attempting under the order ni Secretary Cusi na before Pasko, bago mag-Pasko (before Christmas) so we are working double time," Fuentebella said during a televised press briefing Thursday when asked about the 100 percent restoration of power in Catanduanes.
Fuentebella noted that power restoration will be prioritized in hospitals and vital installations in Catanduanes.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque assured the people of Catanduanes that the province will not suffer two months of power outage. Roque, who held the press briefing in Catanduanes, said the government will try ensure the gradual return of electricity in the province.
"Yan naman ay 100 percent. Hindi naman ibig sabihin na walang partial. Magkakaroon ng partial. Huwag kayong mag-alalala. Partial naman mare-restore 'yan. Hindi ibig sabihin na dalawang buwan na completely wala kayong kuryente. Magkakaroon naman unti-unti (That's for 100 percent. It does not mean there won't be partial restoration. There will be partial, do not worry. It does not mean you will completely have no power for two months. It will be restored gradually)," he said.
Rolly made its first landfall on Catanduanes last weekend, bringing torrential rains and winds. Rolly killed six people, displaced thousands of people, and damaged crops and infrastructure worth nearly P2 billion, disrupted water, power, and telecommunication services in the island province, according to local authorities.
Based on the initial report from the DoE coordinator in Catandanues, Fuentebella said 60 percent of electric posts have been toppled by the storm while 30 percent are leaning.
He said the DoE would meet with First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative to address the power situation. The department would likewise look for the operators of diesel plants and hydropower plants, including the National Power Corp., for assistance.
"We are already purchasing supplies so when our linemen and Task Force arrive, the work continues,” the Energy official said.
"The good thing is the Ro-Ro ship is ready. We can transfer, we can send our materials and our people. We have an estimate of 500 linemen going to Bicol region," he added.
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) contingent is set to travel to the area by Saturday, he added.
"Once they are there, the materials are there with the number, we are expecting one to two weeks to restore power in Virac and other vital installations. The key is to purchase the equipment and facilities," he said.