The Power Bloc representatives have expressed their all-out support to the National Electrification Administration (NEA) as it celebrates its 51st founding anniversary.
Rep. Presley De Jesus of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) partylist issued this message of support on behalf of the Power Bloc during the NEA-EC Consultative Conference held via Zoom video conferencing on Tuesday (August 4), focusing on the theme “Charging for the Future: Moving for a Resilient Rural Electrification Program.”
The consultative meeting was part of the 11th National Electrification Awareness Month (NEAM) celebration this August, coinciding with the Anniversary of the NEA, which is tasked with the implementation of the Rural Electrification Program.
Rep. De Jesus emphasized the crucial role they play in times of calamities, such as typhoons.
“Dumaan tayo sa maraming pagsubok ngayong taon at patuloy tayong sinusubok ng COVID-19 pandemic. Sa kabila nito, hindi nawala sa atin ang pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan para sa mga tao at komunidad na umaasa sa serbisyo ng mga electric cooperatives,” he said.
The Power Bloc also lauded the NEA under the leadership of Administrator Edgardo Masongsong for its continuing efforts to strengthen the rural electrification program, which has benefited over 13 million households across the nation.
“Sa pamumuno ng NEA, malayo na ang ating narating sa layunin nating ‘total rural electrification.’ Ngayong higit na kinakailangan ang dekalidad at tuloy-tuloy na daloy ng kuryente sa ating mga kanayunan, ang halaga ng ating adbokasiya ay mas humigit pa,” Rep. De Jesus said.
The Power Bloc representatives also promised to work relentlessly in pushing for legislation to help achieve sustainable development through rural electrification.
The Power Bloc representatives De Jesus, Sergio Dagooc (APEC), Godofredo Guya (RECOBODA), and Adriano Ebcas (Ako Padayon Pilipino) also promised to work relentlessly in pushing for legislation in Congress that will help achieve sustainable development through rural electrification.
These measures include the following: Strengthening the NEA by converting it into an “Authority;” Amendment of Republic Act 9136, otherwise known as the EPIRA; and Magna Carta for workers in the energy sector.
PHILRECA, APEC, RECOBODA, and Ako Padayon Pilipino partylists are also pushing for the passage of House Bill No. 472, which seeks to proclaim evert first Monday of August as “National Linemen Appreciation Day” in recognition of the role of line workers in rural electrification.
Pending the approval of such bill, PHILRECA – the umbrella organization of the 121 ECs nationwide – hosted the Linemen Appreciation Day event virtually on August 3, a first in the rural electrification history.
In his message of appreciation to all line workers of ECs during the online event, Rep. De Jesus emphasized the crucial role they play in times of calamities, such as typhoons.
“Sa mga oras ng sakuna tulad ng mga bagyo o lindol, na laging naaapektuhan ang mga linya ng kuryente, hindi alam ng nakararami ang hirap at sakripisyo na dinaranas ng ating mga Sundalo ng Pailaw,” the partylist representative said.
“Patuloy nilang itinataya ang kanilang buhay sa ngalan ng tungkulin habang ang karamihan ay ligtas at komportable sa loob ng mga tahanan. Dahil dito, nararapat lamang na ang ating mga linemen ay mabigyan ng karangalan at magkaroon ng boses sa Kongreso,” he added.