The Pasay City government has signed an agreement with Manila Electric Company to work toward responding to the challenges of sustainable urbanization and development in the city.
Mayor Antonino Calixto and Pasay City Rep. Imelda Calixto-Rubiano signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Meralco officials represented by its president Oscar Reyes on July 24 at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay.
“Urbanization is a driving force as well as a source of development with the power to change and improve lives. This is one of Pasay City’s response to the UN Habitat III Conference where we work to bring everyone — Member States, multilateral organizations, local governments, private sector and civil society, to look for solutions to the complex challenge of urbanization.” Calixto said.
The programs both Pasay and Meralco agreed to work on include Disaster Preparedness.
Since Calixto is also the head of Metro Manila Peace and Order Council, he said he will coordinate with MERALCO in terms of Peace and Order where they can work together. This would entail the formulation of Communication Protocols between Pasay and Meralco for timely coordination and assistance during calamities such as typhoons, floods, fires and accidents.
A “Typhoon Watch” Campaign will also be conducted starting June of every year. Mineral gallon containers re-used as personal floatation device called “Salbabotes” will also be donated for barangays and areas prone to flooding.
Both parties also agreed to work on the Community Electrification Program; Tree Planting Program; Drug Prevention Program as well as Sports and Youth Advocacy.
Meralco commits to support Pasay’s engaging of the youth through sports-related activities in collaboration with the Meralco Bolts professional basketball team, Power Spikers and the Meralco Sparks.
Strategic Planning regarding Pasay City’s Electricity Distribution Requirement; the Electric Vehicle Project; Energy and Environmental Conservation Program, and the Prepaid Electric Services were also included in the partnership agreement. Likewise, the Pasay City and the Meralco will work together for the safety and improvement of the community by regular trimming of trees, removal of dangling wires, repair and maintenance of streetlights and processing of streetlight applications, if needed.
The city government will give Meralco advance information on areas that will be changing land usage and information regarding the City’s Development Plan. A Meralco kiosk will also be set up in the City Hall to entertain and process queries, application, complaints and other concerns.