VECO assures continued power even during emergencies

CEBU, Philippines - The Visayan Electric Company assured the public that the power service will not be interrupted in case of emergency in its main facility in Banilad, Cebu City.

Jill Verallo, reputation enhancement department head, said that the power firm conducted a surprise simulation of a fire incident in its Banilad office yesterday morning for the Crisis Management Plan for the loss of facility. 

 Verallo also said that the simulation activity was intended to test the preparedness of the VECO personnel and to inform the public that their services will not be affected in case of a fire, terrorist attack, or natural calamity occurs at their main facility in Banilad.

 “The key message here to our consumers is that we will still be business as usual in case these incidents happen,” she said.

 Henry Burgos, operational risk management head, further explained that the simulation activity was conducted to test the company’s improved business continuity plan which addresses the loss of office facility, loss of network facility, loss of staff and loss of technology.

 Burgos said VECO also aims to resume the business operation in Banilad office within 24 hours after a destructive event or disaster.

 The Banilad office houses key departments like the Engineering Department which controls the system operations division that handles the digital switching of electricity in franchise areas.

 In case of loss of facility, the company’s personnel in Banilad shall work in designated sites to ensure the continuity of its services.

 Burgos said they have duplicated the control system in Banilad facility to 19 other staging sites and substations in Cebu to ensure no power interruption.

Mark Kindica, engineering operations head, said in case of emergency, the Banilad personnel will relay the information to other substations and the next shift of employees from the main facility will report to the substations.  (FREEMAN)