The National Electrification Administration (NEA) on Monday joined the rural electrification sector in paying tribute to all line workers of electric cooperatives (ECs) across the country during an online Linemen Appreciation Day event.
In his message, NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong acknowledged the “hard work, dedication, and sacrifices” of line workers as essential personnel of power utilities in keeping the lights on in rural communities, especially during these challenging times.
“The public must know the importance of line clearing activities.”
“Kami ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa inyo, sa araw-araw na pagsusumikap at pagtitiis, anuman ang panahon at sitwasyon—mapa bagyo man o lindol, at maging pandemya—patuloy ninyong ginagampanan ang inyong trabaho para masigurong tuloy-tuloy ang daloy ng kuryente sa mga tahanan at iba’t ibang establisyemento sa kanayunan,” Masongsong said.
The NEA chief also expressed his support to House Bill No. 472, introduced by the Power Bloc representatives, that seeks to declare first Monday of August every year as “National Linemen Appreciation Day” in recognition of the role that line workers play in rural electrification.
The virtual event, hosted by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) and participated in by different ECs nationwide, was part of the month-long celebration of the 11th National Electrification Awareness Month (NEAM).
NEAM is celebrated annually every month of August by virtue of Proclamation No. 1743.
NEAM is celebrated annually every month of August by virtue of Proclamation No. 1743 signed in 2009 by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in recognition of the significant contributions of the electrification program in nation-building.
This annual observance coincides with the 51st Founding Anniversary of the NEA. The chosen theme for this year’s occasion is “Charging for the Future: Moving for a Resilient Rural Electrification Program.”
Last July 29 to 31, a national line clearing activity was carried out simultaneously throughout the country by the ECs in accordance with Republic Act No. 11361, also known as the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act.
“The public must know the importance of line clearing activities to ensure unhampered flow of electricity, and to satisfactorily meet the electricity needs of every consumer, especially under present conditions,” Masongsong said.
On August 4, the traditional NEA-EC Consultative Conference will also take place as an online event and is expected to be attended by Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, who also serves as the chairman of the NEA Board of Administrators.
NEA, created as an institution in 1969 through Republic Act No. 6038 or the National Electrification Administration Act, is mandated to carry out the total electrification of the country, with the 121 ECs as the implementing arm.