By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — With major regional meetings placing Metro Manila’s power infrastructure under greater operational demands, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is positioning its response teams and technical resources to deal with possible electricity disruptions during the 49th ASEAN Summit.
Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga, one of the guests at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, discussed the company’s preparations, including the completed assessment of electrical facilities serving summit venues and other critical installations across Pasay City, Manila and Makati.
The preparations go beyond routine facility inspections. Meralco has secured security and access clearances for personnel assigned to summit sites and positioned standby crews and equipment for immediate deployment should service problems arise.
The company is also coordinating with the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) as part of its efforts to maintain operational readiness and protect electricity services during the international gathering.
Contingency and emergency response arrangements have likewise been established to address potential power interruptions and other electricity-related concerns.
Meralco said its personnel would remain on round-the-clock standby throughout its franchise area while the Philippines hosts the regional summit and related meetings.
ia/xf
