In celebration of its 53rd anniversary and the 13th National Electrification Awareness Month, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), together with the Electric Cooperatives (ECs) nationwide, held line clearing and tree planting activities on 26 August 2022.

The annual tree planting is in compliance with the National Greening Program which aims to reduce poverty; promote food security, environmental stability, and biodiversity conservation; and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation. 116 NEA officials and employees participated in the activity held in Calaca, Batangas in cooperation with BATELEC I.

In his message to the participants, the Administrator emphasized the importance of tree planting in mitigating the effects of climate change. Calaca Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Officer-In-Charge John Christopher M. Arandia thanked the NEA and BATELEC I for helping save Mother Earth.

BATELEC I also joined the other ECs in their respective coverage areas in commemorating the National Line Clearing Day. This seeks to lessen power interruptions caused by the sticking of tree branches with the distribution lines. Under Republic Act No. 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, power lines should be free of any dangerous obstruction to ensure the continuous and uninterrupted transmission and distribution of electricity, and the protection of the integrity and reliability of power lines.

“Let us remember the importance of this event. It is to deliver efficient and uninterrupted services to our MCOs as well as to ensure the safety of the general public. On behalf of NEA, my deepest appreciation to all the ECs for your continued participation and support on the activities of NEA,” Administrator Juaneza said.

On behalf of NEA Administrator Emmanuel P. Juaneza, Acting Deputy Administrator for Technical Services Ernesto O. Silvano, Jr., Department Manager for Engineering Federico P. Villar Jr. and Acting Division Manager for EDU Consumer Development and Protection Arnel P. Galarpe, led the activities with Batangas I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC I) General Manager Alvin O. Velasco and Board President Henry M. de Villa.