MISSION ACCOMPLISHED: During Camarines Sur 3 Electric Cooperative's (CASURECO III) send-off ceremony for the Task Force Kapatid linemen contingent, Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella reminded everyone about their mission to restore power as soon as possible. 

"You are like soldiers, armed with your tools, working cohesively to accomplish daily tasks selflessly," Undersecretary Fuentebella said.

MUNICIPALITY OF TIGAON, CAMARINES SUR -  Upon the instruction of Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi, Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella continues to assess power restoration activities in the Bicol Region. 

The Energy chief commended the electric cooperatives (ECs) of Camarines Sur for all their hard work and determination to complete the restoration of power in their respective franchise areas despite topographical challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"It is during moments like these when the beauty of the Filipino spirit shines the brightest. We thank all the men and women of the Camarines Sur ECs for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of their consumers. Dios mabalos," Secretary Cusi said. 

In his visit to the Camarines Sur 1 Electric Cooperative (CASURECO I), Energy Undersecretary Fuentebella highlighted the importance of prepositioning not only the assessors, but also the buffer stocks needed to immediately restore power. 

As observed during their founding anniversary, CASURECO I General Manager (GM) Ana Alsisto reported that household restoration stood at 86.13%. Challenged by the flooding brought by Typhoon Ulysses, they are now bringing back power to coastal and mountainous areas, specifically Lupi, Sipocot, and Pasacao.

Meanwhile, in areas served by the Camarines Sur 3 Electric Cooperative (CASURECO III), restoration stands at 70% due to flooding and limited access to mountainous areas. 

According to CASURECO III Acting GM Willy Bucsit, power restoration has been relatively fast compared to their previous experiences.  Undersecretary Fuentebella highlighted that importance of immediately returning power services to normalcy to ease the burden of member consumers. He also mentioned that CASURECO III is already on the right track after gaining a grade of AA on the National Electrification Administration's (NEA) performance indicators, and that their prompt action in power restoration efforts will have a further positive impact on their EC's status. 

Finally, to complete the assessment of Camarines Sur ECs, Undersecretary Fuentebella visited the Camarines Sur 4 Electric Cooperative (CASURECO IV).

In his presentation, CASURECO IV General Manager Renato San Jose proudly indicated that restoration in the areas they serve is already at 97%. He also reported that in addition to the assistance from NEA's Task Force Kapatid, barangay electricians were likewise greatly involved in reconnecting households. 

"The electric cooperatives in Camarines Sur showed dedication to their work and compassion for all their member consumers in their pursuit of 100% household restoration," Undersecretary Fuentebella said.

The Undersecretary together with NEA and the National Power Corporation are set to visit the province of Catanduanes this weekend. 

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