Masbate power transmission lines emerge stronger after typhoon Opong

By Ernie Delgado

MASBATE CITY --- Weeks after Typhoon Opong devastated the island province of Masbate, local officials are reflecting on the restoration efforts by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the lasting impact of its initiative to upgrade transmission lines.

The NEA launched a comprehensive restoration effort, mobilizing nearly 400 personnel—mainly linemen and boom truck operators—from 47 electric cooperatives across Luzon and the Visayas, while also providing necessary materials.

“It’s insensitive to call it a blessing in disguise. Nevertheless, this disaster is prompting necessary upgrades to the transmission and distribution system,” said Masbate Vice Governor Fernando Talisic in Filipino during a press conference.

Talisic said that the fallen concrete and wooden poles are being replaced with steel poles.

Transmission line engineers generally prefer steel poles for power transmission and distribution in areas like Masbate that are prone to typhoons.

“Steel poles are more resilient to typhoons because they can bend and absorb shock without cracking under the pressure of strong winds,” explained Peter Loui Flores, an engineer involved in the restoration work.

Engineer Jason Dura, a foreman for the linemen team from Cebu province, said that steel poles are more resilient to damage from debris during typhoons.

“The strength and flexibility of steel make it more resistant to flying debris, such as tree branches, which are common during typhoons,” he explained.

Both Flores and Dura were part of Task Force Kapatid, a NEA initiative that brought together electric cooperatives from the Visayas and Luzon provinces to assist Masbate.

Talisic also noted that some of the fallen poles were awkwardly positioned in the middle of roads due to recent expansion work.

“We no longer see them after the typhoon brought them down,” he said.

Masbate was plunged into darkness in late September after Typhoon Bualoi or Opong knocked down more than 1,000 power transmission and distribution poles in its mainland and interrupted services for more than 78,000 homes across the franchise of Masbate Electric Cooperative (Maselco).

On Oct. 20, Maselco announced that power had been restored in 145 barangays, which represents 44.21 percent of the 328 barangays served by the power distributor.

However, as of that date, over 34,000 homes were still without power.

Maselco said that electricity consumers with severely damaged service drop wires and power meters may experience delays, as restoration may take some time before linemen can service their area.

In a statement, NEA reiterated its commitment to restoring electricity on the island as quickly as possible.

Masbate Governor Ricardo Kho said that NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda has become directly involved in the restoration process, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Maselco estimated the damage to the province’s power infrastructure caused by the typhoon at P390.3 million. (PIA Bicol/Masbate)