The war-torn city of Marawi has started to emerge from the dark, a year after terrorists fled and left its residents in a state of uncertainty. And this Christmas season, the outpouring of support from both the private and public sector brings nothing but a ray of hope and a brighter future ahead.
They were literally in the dark then. The conflict left the entire city with damaged electric poles and all their transformers stolen. Thanks to the re-energization initiatives of AboitizPower through subsidiaries Davao Light and Power Company and Cotabato Light and Power Company, electricity in the city is gradually being restored.
The power companies donated distribution transformers, wooden poles, and electrical equipment and supplies to Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative, the local electric cooperative covering Marawi.
The Aboitiz Group donated P5.6 million worth of transformers, electric poles, wirings and supplies to Lasureco in two tranches—on Feb. 12 and Nov. 8 this year—amid efforts to restore the city’s power supply.
“Lasureco was down until Davao Light came along with the donation. We are now slowly able to get back [up],” Lasureco chief of operations Abdul Aziz Datu said. Today, at least 42 barangays and temporary shelters in Marawi are bound to celebrate Christmas more comfortably.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the agency, together with the private sector, would continue to support the people of Marawi on their journey toward recovery, committing to work tirelessly until the energy supply in the area once again becomes reliable, stable, and sustainable.
“We did not abandon Marawi, we will never abandon Marawi, and we will continue doing the rehabilitation of Marawi,” Cusi said.
Cusi led the ceremonial switching of electrical service to six coastal towns in the province of Lanao del Sur and the turnover of 200 energy-efficient electric tricycles to the local government to help generate jobs for residents early this year.
Among the 200,000 displaced residents is Riza Lagumbay, a mother of three who was able to escape the conflict. She and her family are temporarily seeking refuge at the Sarimanok Tent City in Marawi as they await the reconstruction of their homes.
“The electricity provides our lives with some comfort,” she said, adding how thankful she is that power is now available at the evacuation center, making this holiday a little brighter.