(Taguig City). The Department of Energy (DOE) will continue to adapt, improve and be pro-active in ensuring the resiliency of the energy sector in the face of the onslaught of natural calamities like the recent typhoons.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi made the assurance today as he revealed that the DOE is updating the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency responses of the sector to lessen the impact of calamities on energy infrastructures.
“Disaster risk reduction is always a priority along with immediate restoration of power during outages caused by Mother Nature," said Cusi. “We have to live by the new reality that typhoons have become far stronger because of the effects of climate change.”
Cusi said the best practices in disaster risk reduction being employed by various government agencies including the DOE is being continuously overhauled, tweaked or upgraded to be more responsive in addressing today’s challenges.
“On the part of the DOE, we are reviewing the protocols to be followed by energy sector players, especially the measures on climate change adaptation,” he added.
Cusi said the DOE has been strictly following the measures set forth by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (R.A. 10121) as implemented by the National Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council.
The DOE secretary sits as member of the NDRRMC.
Cusi identified “Task Force Kapatid” as one of the measures employed by the energy family, through the supervision of the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
The task force facilitates the repair and rehabilitation of lines and the restoration of electric service during disasters in coordination with the NDRRMC.
“We constantly convene industry partners to encourage climate change adaptation in order to reduce the vulnerability of our power supply system against future calamities,” said Cusi.
“We are constantly on the lookout for better systems and technologies, as well as SOPs and protocols in undertaking repair and rehabilitation of damaged lines and energy facilities,” added the DOE chief.
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