Two hundred linemen of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) in Matalam, North Cotabato joined the first-ever “Linemen Appreciation Day” initiated online by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Philippine Association of Rural Electric Cooperatives (PHILRECA).
The program aims to recognize all line workers in the country in their silent contributions which allow the continuous operation of essential power services amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, said Cotelco General Manager Engr. Godofredo Homez.
“They are the ‘unsung’ heroes who contribute necessary efforts for the community to go forward.”
“They are the ‘unsung’ heroes who contribute necessary efforts for the community to go forward, yet they are not usually recognized,” Homez said.
Alex Baldisco, the president of the United Linemen Association of the Philippines, acknowledged the effort of the NEA and PHILRECA in recognizing their part in the country’s development.
“I urge our members to instill a firm determination to continue our commitment to service.”
Baldisco also urged members to instill a firm determination to continue their commitment to service.
In his message, NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong expressed his gratitude to the whole organization in fully exerting its mission for the country’s development particularly in the countryside.
“All of you impart a huge sacrifice in your service to light every home and family,” Masongsong said.
The power bloc composed of four party-list groups–PHILRECA, APEC, AKO PADAYON, and RECOBODA–has filed a bill in Congress to officially recognize the first Monday of August as the “Linemen Appreciation Day”.
Last July, Ramel Gelilang, a lineman of Cotelco, died while working to replace a dilapidated spool insulator in a remote village of Banisilan town.