In a statement, Davao Light Assistant Vice President for Engineering Operations Orville Lazaro said the purpose of the clearing operation is for safety and for reliability of its power lines.
"So that our customers are connected 24/7 and to not let our customers experience inconveniences caused by power outages,” Lazaro said.
Most of the unscheduled power interruptions are caused by vegetation touching the power lines which also pose safety risk to the community.
Under Republic Act 11361 or the “Anti-obstruction of Power Lines Act" under Article 6, prohibits planting of tall growing plants near or under power lines.
He said as a commitment to its customers, line clearing teams are deployed to trim or cut trees that are near the power lines, even in far-flung areas such as Tampakan, Paquibato District which is located more than 29 kilometers from the city proper.
Despite the many challenges faced by clearing teams in the outskirts like rough roads, spending the night at an unfamiliar place, and the battle against changing weather conditions, the men were still able to cover a total of 30 kilometers of line clearing works in Tampakan.
The Davao Light will continue to protect its lines against power line obstructions and furthermore asks the public to report any incident or situation such as planting of tall trees, installation of billboard tarpaulins, and all other activities that will possibly lead to obstruction or pose hazards to power lines and the community.
Customers can report to Davao Light hotline numbers 229-3572 trees or vegetation that are obstructing the power lines and can request to cut or trim them for free.
Photo: Davao Light