Meralco's Swift Response To Super Typhoon Carina

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to service by swiftly restoring power to areas affected by Super Typhoon Carina and the intensified southwest monsoon rains.

Meralco line crews are working around the clock to restore power to all those affected by Super Typhoon Carina and the habagat rains. | Photos: MERALCO

Despite facing substantial challenges, Meralco’s dedicated teams have been working around the clock to bring electricity back to thousands of households and businesses across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon provinces.

On July 24, over 600,000 customers experienced service interruptions due to heavy flooding and obstructions caused by the super typhoon.

As of 10:00 AM the next day, the number of affected customers had been reduced to around 330,000, thanks to the tireless efforts of Meralco’s crews.

Meralco's proactive approach extends beyond its immediate service areas. In times of calamities like Super Typhoon Carina, Meralco has never hesitated to support fellow utilities, particularly electric cooperatives.

This solidarity not only ensures a quicker recovery for affected regions but also highlights Meralco's role as a key player in the national power sector.

One Meralco Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of Meralco, has also been mobilized to provide immediate relief efforts. Employee volunteers have prepared thousands of relief packs, including essential items like rice, canned goods, coffee packs, and biscuits.

These packs were swiftly distributed to various local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices for dissemination to affected families.

In addition to restoration efforts, Meralco has been vigilant in promoting electrical safety.

The company issued constant press bulletins leading up to Super Typhoon Carina to ensure the public remained safe during power outages and flooding, advising customers to turn off main electrical switches, unplug appliances, and keep all electrical components dry at all times, especially before use.

These measures are crucial in preventing electrical accidents and ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

The exceptional performance of Meralco during such challenging times makes a compelling case for Congress to support its franchise renewal.

Industry stakeholders, including the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), and the Private Electric Power Operators Association (PEPOA), have all voiced strong endorsements for Meralco's franchise renewal. 

These endorsements underscore Meralco's critical role in providing reliable electricity, supporting economic growth, and ensuring public safety.

The support from these influential organizations highlights Meralco's contributions to the stability and growth of the nation’s power sector.

As the renewal of Meralco’s legislative franchise approaches, it is clear that the company’s operational excellence, commitment to social responsibility, and rapid disaster response efforts are indispensable for the Philippines.

Meralco’s swift and effective response to Super Typhoon Carina reaffirms its dedication to its customers and the broader community.

The company's actions during this crisis highlight the importance of renewing its franchise to ensure continued stability, reliability, and support for the nation’s power needs.