While most families sought safety amid relentless rains and rising floodwaters brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat), Meralco linemen and crew chose to be on the frontlines—wading through waist-deep waters, navigating around fallen trees, and risking their lives—so others could keep the lights on.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said it is working round-the-clock to restore electricity to areas heavily affected by the downpour. As of 7:00 AM, over 167,000 customers have experienced power interruptions, mostly in Metro Manila, Bulacan, and Cavite. Other affected areas include Rizal, Laguna, Batangas, and Quezon—many of them submerged in floodwaters.
“We ask our customers for patience and understanding as heavy floods have triggered disruptions in power services. Rest assured that the safety of our customers and line crews is our top priority and we will immediately restore power in the affected areas once the floodwaters recede and it is safe to do so,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
Indeed, those men are not just linemen—they are fathers, sons and brothers who chose duty over comfort, safety and family. Yet, they are risking their lives to restore power because they understand the critical need for electricity during times like these.
Amid nonstop rains, newly appointed Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin personally visited the Meralco Command Center to assess the power situation in areas within the company’s franchise. She was joined by Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella. Secretary Garin also held a media briefing with Meralco COO and Executive VP Ronnie Aperocho and Networks Head and SVP Froilan Savet, where they assured the public of the immediate restoration of power to customers affected by weather-related outages. #SerbisyongMeralco
Nearly 98% of those affected, or more than 163,000 customers, are in flooded communities, where Meralco’s field personnel have been tirelessly working under extreme conditions—some without rest, many away from their own families who are also dealing with the storm’s aftermath.
Despite blocked roads and dangerous terrain, teams have pushed forward, prioritizing both speed and safety. Zaldarriaga emphasized that restoration efforts continue as soon as floodwaters recede and conditions are safe enough to proceed.
As the company continues its restoration efforts, Meralco urges the public to follow safety precautions in flooded homes and establishments:
- Turn off the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker and avoid contact with electrical equipment while wet.
- Unplug all appliances and turn off connected devices.
- Remove any mud and dirt from electrical equipment using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
- Allow electrical devices and wiring to dry thoroughly before having them checked by a licensed electrician.
- Avoid using flood-damaged electrical appliances unless properly inspected.
The public is also advised to keep communication devices fully charged in case of emergency.
For power-related concerns and updates, customers may contact Meralco through the following channels:
- Facebook: facebook.com/meralco
- X (formerly Twitter): @meralco
- Text: 0920-9716211 / 0917-5516211
- Hotline: 16211
“In times of disaster, these linemen become silent heroes,” Zaldarriaga added. “They may be soaked, tired, and far from home—but they carry on because they know others depend on them.”