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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian hails electrical linemen as the unsung heroes in Typhoon Odette aftermath

Gatchalian hails electrical linemen as the unsung heroes in Typhoon Odette aftermath

Published Jan 2, 2022 11:09 am

Re-electionist Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday hailed the selflessness and tireless efforts of electrical linemen and their crew members saying they are the unsung heroes in the aftermath of Typhoon Odette.

Gatchalian lamented they often do not receive the recognition they deserve for the services they perform working around the clock, and mostly in dangerous conditions just to repair damaged poles to restore power lines.

“Behind every electric utility is a team of folks who have signed up to embrace the challenge of a job that would entail them to work 21 to 32 meters from the ground, ready to respond to outages caused by natural and man-made calamities,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“They deserve the recognition for providing the much-needed customer service,” said the Senate Energy Committee chief.

At the same time, Gatchalian sympathized with the death of Ronald Gallarde, a lineman from the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (Noreco) who was electrocuted last December 25 while working on top of an electric post in Barangay Tugas that was toppled by the typhoon.

He said the likes of Gallarde deserve to be acknowledged and honored as his service caused his life.

“Their steadfast commitment to serving their customers, even in the face of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, merits a commendation as it does not only reflect their dedication to their work but sacrifices as well,” the senator said.

“Incidents like these once again display the Filipinos’ resiliency and indomitable spirit amid challenges,” he added.

Gatchalian also called on the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to ensure that their logistical needs are being provided to expedite repair and rehabilitation works in the devastated areas.

“They spent their holidays in the field, away from their families just so they could be of assistance to the affected electric cooperatives,” he said.

“These so-called ‘warriors of light’ are the best example of the Filipino bayanihan spirit. We have to help each other so we can rise above these tragedies,” he stressed.

As of December 29, at least 859 line workers and 150 boom trucks have been deployed ot Regions VI, VII, VIII, X and CARAGA to help in the restoration of power lines downed by Typhoon Odette, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

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Sherwin Gatchalian Typhoon Odette electrical linemen Senate Energy Committee
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