The Mandaluyong City local government launched its Integrated Underground Wiring System (IUWS) Plan on Friday, October 18, aimed at transferring all electric and telecommunications (telco) cables underground to prevent accidents caused by dangling wires.

Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben Abalos, Vice Mayor Menchie Abalos, and other city officials and executives led the groundbreaking of the project which will start in Maysilo Circle where the city hall complex is located. It will then progress to other streets and avenues in the city.

Mayor Abalos explained that with the IUWS, the city government's vision of making Mandaluyong a "walkable city" will surely become a reality as this will ensure the safety of all its residents and visitors.

The project will also minimize the occurrence of brownouts and power losses which gravely affect businesses in the city,

"Kung sakaling magkaroon ng aksidente o sakuna, mas magiging protektado ang utility cables dahil matatagpuan na ang mga ito sa ilalim ng lupa (Utility cables will be protected from accidents or disasters as these will be placed underground)," the mayor said.

"Sa pagpapatupad ng IUWS Plan ay mas magiging matatag ang serbisyo ng kuryente, na isa sa pangunahing serbisyong kinakailangan ng maraming mga negosyo sa lungsod, lalo na sa panahon ng emergency o kalamidad (The IUWS Plan ensures the stable supply of electricity which is very essential especially during times of emergencies and calamities)," he added.

In October last year, the city government held a public hearing about its plan to implement a city-wide underground wiring and cabling system which was attended by city hall department heads, barangay captains, representatives of civil society groups, homeowner associations, transport organizations, utility companies and other private sector groups.

During the meeting, City Planning and Development head Engr. Arman Comandao discussed the contents of Draft Ordinance No. 1429 or “An Ordinance Adopting and improving the Integrated Underground Wiring and Cabling System Plan for the City of Mandaluyong” wherein overhead electrical, telecommunications, cable television, and other wires from posts will be transferred underground. 

The project will be implemented in four stages and will start at the perimeter of Maysilo Circle where the Mandaluyong City Hall Complex is located.

Comandao said the underground cabling and wiring system project was adopted due to the city government’s desire to reduce the number of deaths caused by accidental contact with electrical wires, fire incidents caused by electrical overloading, and theft and pilferage on different utility lines.

The project also aims to remove dangling overhead wires which can be toppled down by trees during severe weather conditions. In addition, utility posts will not be allowed to be erected along sidewalks thereby reducing right-of-way issues.