DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR: Considered the backbone of electric cooperatives (ECs) in keeping the lights on in rural and remote areas, the cream of the crop across the country competed today, Monday (June 12) at the Mindanao Warriors of Light Summit and Linemen Rodeo  which will be held from June 12 to 13, 2023 at the Gov. Douglas Ralota Sports Complex and Business Center, Brgy Mati, Digos City, Davao del Sur.

The two-day event has brought together all Electric Cooperatives from across Mindanao, providing a platform to showcase the skills and talents of these brave linemen. Different teams representing Regional associations of ECs participate in the “Warriors of Light” regional summit, which tested their technical skills like pole climbing, pole dressing and undressing, spine board bandaging, and conductor riding.

In his message, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano “Nani” C. Almeda recognized the vital role that line workers play in the government’s rural electrification program, who often performing difficult job under hazardous conditions, to ensure that power reaches the homes and industries in the countryside.

He called on all the public distribution utilities under the NEA’s supervision to continue supporting the rural electrification efforts of the government.

“The rural electrification program is not about energizing the ‘last mile’ or the last household; it is about rural development. We will continue to advocate the rural electrification program that will realize rural development and nation building,” he said.

Hosted by DASURECO, the Mindanao island summit was designed to exhibit the technical skills of line workers, as well as promote safe work practices. The activity also aimed to serve as a platform to recognize their sacrifices and efforts to go above and beyond the call of duty.

The series of events all over the three island groups were organized by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) together with the Philippine Association of Technical Managers of Electric Cooperatives (PHILATMEC), Philippine Electric Cooperatives Association of Safety and Environmental Officers (PECASEO) and United Linemen Association of the Philippines (ULAP).Bottom of Form