DOE, NEA rush to restore power in Davao

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Officials of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) got back to work yesterday to restore power in typhoon-hit coastal towns in Davao Oriental, a day after President Aquino reprimanded them in public.

The President also called the attention of the Department of Budget and Management to process the funds needed to restore electricity in areas battered by Typhoon Pablo last December. 

Gov. Corazon Malanyaon told The STAR that representatives of DOE, NEA and the Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative immediately proceeded to the affected areas after paying her a courtesy call.

“They promised to restore power in the coastal towns by next month,” Malanyaon said, referring to the municipalities of Cateel, Boston, Baganga and Caraga.

The President gave the orders when he met with the townsfolk in a “Pulong Bayan” held at the Cateel municipal plaza last Monday as part of the EDSA People Power celebration.

Aquino called the attention of Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla and NEA officials, saying he was surprised why power has not been restored in the Pablo-affected towns.

“I called them up and they said the NEA has a pending request (while) the DBM said the request is not with them, and then I called up the DOE. Where really is that request?” he said.