(INQUIRER) MANILA, Philippines — Government agencies and stakeholders have been requested to find a solution to the massive power outage in Panay Island as soon as possible.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada made the call on Wednesday, saying the severity of the situation cannot be overstated.
“The absence of electricity not only affects households but also cripples businesses, hospitals, and other crucial services that depend on a reliable power source,” Estrada said in a statement.
“This issue needs to be resolved immediately and efficiently,” he noted.
“I urge the concerned government agencies, power utilities, and relevant stakeholders to prioritize and expedite the resolution of the power crisis in Panay Island,” he added.
Estrada said he is saddened that Filipinos in Western Visayas were forced to spend the second day of the New Year suffering from a monstrous blackout.
“Let us not let this crisis last even one more day,” he said.
Panay Island, one of the largest and most populous islands in the Philippines, is divided into four provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo.
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines earlier said power plants in the area tripped off.
At least 150 megawatts of electricity were also lost due to planned maintenance shutdown.