In a strong push to improve public safety and prevent accidents, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has teamed up with the Manila local government to clear tangled and hazardous wires along Yuchengco Street in Binondo.
The operation, held on July 9, is part of Meralco’s Anti-Urban Blight Campaign, a long-running effort to rid city streets of overloaded and unsafe utility poles. It also supports Executive Order No. 5 recently signed by the Manila LGU, which targets urban eye sores and potential fire hazards caused by unregulated wire installations.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso was on-site to oversee the operation, emphasizing how vital public-private partnerships are in keeping communities safe.
“This is not just about cleaning up the city visually,” said Domagoso. “It’s about protecting lives. We urge all users of Meralco poles to secure the proper permits. No exceptions.”
Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga echoed the mayor’s sentiments, underlining the utility giant’s commitment to safety and service reliability.
“We’re serious about this campaign. With the help of our LGU partners, we’ll keep clearing cluttered wires and overloaded poles to ensure stable electricity and safer streets,” Zaldarriaga said.
Residents and business owners in the area welcomed the cleanup, hopeful it signals the beginning of wider efforts across the city to declutter streets and make neighborhoods more livable.
