Aquino to DOE: Restore power in ‘Pablo’-hit areas by year-end

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has ordered Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla to restore power in areas pummeled by Typhoon Pablo (Bopha).

In a speech during the International Conference on Retail Markets on Tuesday, December 11, Aquino said restoring power in the region is an immediate concern.

“Before the end of the year, our Energy Secretary, Icot Petilla, has committed to restore power in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. And that is despite the damage wrought, and even the main transmission lines, which we saw, were on the ground already,” Aquino said.

“But while the immediate concern is restoring supply to the affected areas, we must also realize that the challenge that follows is making sure that power is affordable, particularly for the less fortunate,” Aquino added.

The people in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental are now trying to rebuild their homes but the haunting reality of their present state of uncertainty is more evident as the sun sets engulfing them in total darkness.

Dondon, a resident of Barangay Poblacion in the town of Cateel, sits quietly at the front of a bonfire, which he lit near his family’s tent.

“During the day I gather pieces of wood which we use for our bonfire. This serves as our light and also keeps us warm during the night,” Dondon said.

From the town of Mawab in Compostela Valley to the east coast of Davao Oriental, improvised lamps also provide light for families who have the capacity to buy kerosene.

“We are hoping that power will be restored immediately in our town. It is really difficult to live in darkness,” Dondon said. – Rappler.com