AS the Philippines braces for the onset of La Niña, the “Young Guns” of the House of Representatives are urgently calling for a comprehensive review of the nation’s power situation.
The group, comprised of forward-thinking and proactive legislators, expressed serious concerns about the potential for widespread power outages and questions the preparedness of power companies to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity.
Rep. Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun (Zambales, First District) emphasized the necessity of immediate action, stating, “La Niña is not just a weather event; it is a potential disruptor of daily life and economic activities. We cannot afford to wait until it strikes to realize that we are unprepared. The power companies must assure us that they have contingency plans in place.”
“Our energy infrastructure has to be resilient. Any weakness in our power grid could lead to severe consequences for our people and economy,” Khonghun said.
Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Lanao del Sur, First District) echoed the same sentiments, highlighting the critical nature of reliable electricity during such times.
“Our constituents rely heavily on consistent power supply for their day-to-day needs and safety. Any lapse could have dire consequences. We need transparency and proactive measures from our power providers to mitigate any risks associated with La Niña,” Alonto said.
“It is the duty of power companies to provide clear communication and updates to the public, ensuring that everyone is adequately prepared,” he added.
Rep. Ramon Rodrigo “Rodge” Gutierrez (1-Rider Partylist) expressed his apprehension about the current state of the power infrastructure.
“The infrastructure must be robust enough to withstand the challenges posed by La Niña. This includes not just the capacity to generate electricity, but also the resilience of our transmission and distribution networks,” Gutierrez said.
“We need a thorough assessment of our current capabilities and immediate action to address any identified gaps,” he added.
Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega (La Union, First District), for his part, called for a collaborative effort between the government and private sector.
“It is imperative that both the government and power companies work hand in hand to ensure that every Filipino household has access to electricity throughout this period. We need coordinated efforts and clear communication channels,” Ortega said.
“The collaboration should extend to creating and implementing long-term strategies that enhance our energy security and sustainability,” he added.
In questioning the readiness of the power sector, Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy (Isabela (6th District) stated: “Are our power companies truly prepared? We have seen how past weather events have crippled our electricity supply. It is time for an honest assessment and prompt action.”
“What specific measures have been put in place to handle the expected increase in demand and potential disruptions caused by La Niña?” Dy asked.
Rep. Mikaela Angela “Mika” Suansing (Nueva Ecija, First District) voiced her concerns about the impact of lack of preparations for La Nina on vulnerable populations.
“Our elderly, children, and those with medical needs are especially at risk during power outages. We need assurance that power companies are prioritizing the stability of supply to safeguard these vulnerable groups,” Suansing said.
“Preventive measures should include specific support plans for these vulnerable communities to ensure their safety and well-being during potential blackouts,” she added.
Rep. Jill Bongalon (AKO-Bicol Partylist) urged for a focus on sustainable solutions, saying “In addressing the potential impacts of La Niña, we must also consider long-term, sustainable energy solutions. Investing in renewable energy and improving our infrastructure resilience will pay off in the face of such challenges.”
“Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can provide more stable and reliable power, reducing our dependence on vulnerable traditional power source,” Bongalon added.
The group stressed that without proper preparation, the potential for power outages could significantly impact the lives of millions of Filipinos, from disrupting businesses to affecting the delivery of essential services. They call on the Department of Energy and relevant agencies to conduct a thorough review and ensure that all necessary measures are in place.
“The clock is ticking, and La Niña is on the horizon,” said Rep. Joel Chua (Manila, Third District). “We must act now to safeguard our people and our economy. Let us not wait for the storm to hit before we realize we should have prepared.”
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