Meralco line crews on 24/7 alert to respond to any emergencies and restore power during the Undas holiday break.
With the long weekend in observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, most of us take time to gather with our families and friends to visit our dearly departed and honor them. We cook meals together, exchange stories and enjoy their company.
However, there are people who do not have the opportunity to join in the conversation and gatherings and instead spend their holidays punching the proverbial clock. Line crews of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) do not have breaks for holidays and spend the long weekend on the job to ensure that we enjoy our holidays without power interruption.
“I was walking late last night, and I saw several Meralco crews working,” Meralco vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said in his Facebook post.
“When I asked them, the response was very Meralco. ‘Upgrading and preventive maintenance Sir.’ No holidays, no frills, no fanfare. Just pure public service on All Saints Day,” his post continued.
No holidays for Meralco line crews during Undas, including vice president and head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga.
Indeed, the line crews Zaldarriaga answered the mandate issued by chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) Manuel V. Pangilinan, placing Meralco on full alert throughout the Undas break, with crews and personnel ready to respond 24/7 to any possible electricity service concern.
The order was given to ensure Meralco customers will have continued power service following the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine. Pangilinan also ordered Meralco to continue monitoring any possible impact of Super Typhoon Leon.
“We are one with the nation in observing All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day. While Meralco Business Centers will be closed from November 1 to 2, we assure our customers that Meralco crews and personnel will be on standby 24/7 to respond to any troubles and concerns related to our facilities,” Zaldarriaga said early this week.
In addition, Meralco reminded the public to practice the following electrical safety measures for a worry-free weekend before going to the cemeteries:
- Turn off appliances when not in use, especially when going away for several days
- Refrain from using “octopus connections” or plugging in extension cords into a single power outlet as this could overheat and result in a fire and other accidents
- Ensure that electrical wires, connectors, and other equipment are completely dry
- Avoid placing electrical cords under rugs or carpets, as constantly walking on these could damage the insulation of the wires
- Keep combustible materials away from outdoor lighting and other sources of heat
To those who worked this holiday season or still have much work to do, you may have felt unappreciated when you punched that clock to go to work. And to those who will be working this coming Christmas holiday, one of the most important holidays for Filipinos, know your contribution is seen, and we are grateful for it. We see you.
To those Meralco line crews and personnel who have had to work this holiday season, maybe consider treating yourself to a nice evening honoring your contributions—if you can get the day off.
Customers may visit the Meralco website at http://www.meralco.com.ph for more electrical safety tips. To report power outages and other concerns, customers may reach Meralco through its social media accounts on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and X (formerly Twitter) @meralco. They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 or 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
