The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates a budget of around P400 million to restore damaged power lines in Masbate due to Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Opong.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin visited the province on Tuesday to personally inspect and assess the damage to energy infrastructure and to assure local officials and residents that the entire energy sector is fully mobilized to restore electricity at the soonest possible time.
Joining here were DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan, National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, National Power Corporation (NPC) president Jericho Jonas Nograles, and other NEA officials as they surveyed the hardest-hit areas where transmission lines, distribution facilities, and generation assets sustained significant damage.
“This is more than an inspection, this is a commitment,” Garin said. “We came here to see and assess the extent of the damage and to personally assure the Provincial Government of Masbate, its local electric cooperatives, and the people of Masbate that the energy sector will do everything it can to restore electricity as quickly and safely as possible.”
“Our goal is to bring back power not just to energize homes, but to help communities recover and rebuild their lives,” she added.
The DOE did not give a target timeline when power supply will be fully restored in Masbate.
Garin commended line workers from various electric cooperatives nationwide who, under Task Force Kapatid, have been arriving in Masbate since Sunday to support the Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO).
She said despite challenging conditions and difficult terrain, they are working tirelessly to hasten power restoration and ensure that critical facilities such as hospitals, evacuation centers, government offices and water systems are prioritized.
“We are moving with urgency, but also with care. Safety remains our top priority for both workers on the ground and the public. Together, we will restore power and restore hope,” Garin added.
STS Opong, which recently battered the Bicol Region, caused widespread damage to energy infrastructure, leaving many parts of Masbate without power.
The DOE urged residents to remain vigilant, report hazards such as toppled poles and live wires to authorities and cooperate with line crews to ensure a safe and orderly restoration process.
Meanwhile, a total of 12 electric cooperatives (ECs) in nine provinces across four regions remain under monitoring due to the combined effects of Super Typhoon Nando, STS Opong, and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).
Of these, 11 ECs are still experiencing partial power interruptions, while MASELCO remains under total power interruption.
