As Typhoon Paolo continues to bring heavy rains across Luzon, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) assured the public of its readiness to respond swiftly to any electricity service concerns while underscoring the sacrifices of its crews who remain on the frontlines, braving floods and dangerous weather conditions to keep communities powered and safe.
With portions of its franchise area under Wind Signal No. 1, Meralco said its personnel and line workers remain on full alert—some deployed away from their families—to ensure immediate restoration work and emergency response when needed.
“These men and women work tirelessly, often through sleepless nights, wading through floodwaters, climbing poles in the middle of storms, and exposing themselves to risk—all so that power can be restored quickly and safely,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications. “Their sacrifice allows millions of households to regain normalcy faster in times of crisis.”
Meralco also reminded customers to prioritize safety by following preventive measures against electrical hazards, especially in flood-prone areas:
- Immediately switch off the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker.
- Never touch electrical wirings or appliances with wet hands or while standing on damp or flooded surfaces.
- Unplug appliances and turn off permanently connected equipment; if possible, remove light bulbs as well.
- Stay clear of exposed or dangling electrical wires.
- After floodwaters subside, have a licensed electrician inspect your system before restoring power.
Meralco further urged customers to stay updated through its official advisories and to immediately report power outages and other concerns via its official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/meralco), X (@meralco), text hotlines (0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211), or the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
“In times like these, safety comes first,” Zaldarriaga added. “As our crews put themselves in harm’s way to serve, we ask the public to also do their part by exercising utmost caution and putting their families’ safety above all else.”