BAGUIO CITY: Considered the backbone of electric cooperatives (ECs) in keeping the lights on in rural and remote areas, the cream of the crop across the country competed Thursday (July 25) at the first national rodeo for line workers during the “Warriors of Light” Summit.
Three teams from different ECs representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao came to Baguio City on Thursday, July 25, to participate in the “Warriors of Light” national summit, which tested their technical skills like pole climbing, pole dressing and undressing, spine board bandaging, and conductor riding.
In his message, NEA Administrator Edgardo Masongsong recognized the vital role that line workers play in the government’s rural electrification program, who often performing difficult job under hazardous conditions, to ensure that power reaches the homes and industries in the countryside.
Masongsong also commended the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA), the umbrella group of 121 ECs in the country, for organizing the rodeo for line workers, which coincides with the 50th founding anniversary of the NEA.
“Sa buong buhay ng rural electrification program, ngayon lang nagkaroon ng Warriors of Light Summit. Dahil sa ginawa natin nakilala ang electric cooperatives sa buong Pilipinas,” the NEA chief said during the opening program.
He called on all the public distribution utilities under the NEA’s supervision to continue supporting the rural electrification efforts of the government.
“The rural electrification program is not about energizing the ‘last mile’ or the last household; it is about rural development. We will continue to advocate the rural electrification program that will realize rural development and nation building,” he said.
Hosted by the Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO), the national summit was designed to exhibit the technical skills of line workers, as well as promote safe work practices. The activity also aimed to serve as a platform to recognize their sacrifices and efforts to go above and beyond the call of duty.
“Without the linemen, no distribution line could be constructed and maintained. No distribution utilities exist without the linemen as they perform very important tasks. Thus, it is just right and proper to recognize what they do,” NEA Engineering Department Manager Ferdinand Villareal said.
At the end of the competition, the delegation from Visayas emerged as the overall champion, and walked away with a cash prize of P75,000. The second (Luzon team) and third (Mindanao team) placers brought home P50,000 and P25,000, respectively.
Meanwhile, Visayas team bagged the first prize award for pole climbing, pole dressing, and conductor riding categories. Luzon won first place in pole undressing and spine board bandaging, while Mindanao won the knot tying category.
Joemer Sibbaluca of the Cagayan I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAGELCO I) was named Rodeo King during the “Warriors of Light” Summit. ###