Vice President Urges for Underground Power and Communications Lines After Impacts of Recent Calamity

Vice President Leni Robredo has been extending assistance to the victims of Typhoon Odette since the calamity first made landfall on Thursday. Beginning late last week, the VP, along with her team, has been on the ground visiting the most affected areas in Bohol, Cebu, Surigao, Southern Leyte, and Dinagat Islands to better assess the situation and understand the needs of the communities. Robredo has also committed to give housing materials to help families and individuals rebuild their homes that were ravaged by the typhoon.

Throughout her relief operations — which are still ongoing— the VP has been at the receiving end of criticism from President Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters. Salvador Panelo, the chief presidential legal counsel, had earlier accused Robredo of utilizing a military aircraft to deliver relief items. Panelo has since admitted that he was provided with false information on the matter.

Robredo has also cast her candidacy for the presidency in the coming elections. On Tuesday, she explained that among her infrastructure development agenda would be to establish underground power and communication lines, especially in areas that are more prone to typhoons.

“One realization from the series of very strong typhoons which hit our country is that our next priority infrastructure development agenda should be putting electric and communication lines underground, particularly in typhoon-prone areas,” elaborated Robredo. She added that these would be more cost-effective compared to spending for the restoration of posts that have been knocked down due to extreme weather conditions.

“[There are] many reasons [to do so]. First, in the long run, this would be cost-effective compared to the recurring costly rehabilitation of above-ground electric and communication lines and posts that are felled and destroyed by typhoons. Second, the disruption and absence of power and communication services adversely affect the economy and business,” noted Robredo. “We have, on average, 20 typhoons a year. It would be better to spend now and make them underground instead of repeatedly spending whenever a post falls down.”

The loss of power and communication can significantly hamper the necessary operations during disaster situations such as the recent Typhoon Odette. Aside from this natural calamities also pose challenges to health, hygiene, and sanitation services, as well as both virtual and face-to-face classes.

“This was already being pushed by Congressman Edcel Lagman, whose district is right smack in the typhoon belt. It is high time to start giving it very serious consideration,” concluded Robredo.

Sources: GMA News, Business World, Manila Bulletin