A total of 105 member consumer-owner (MCO) households of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) from six barangays in Tagum City, Davao del Norte have benefited from the ongoing “Pantawid Liwanag” Program (PLP).

Nordeco, in a statement Thursday, said the program in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provided each household with PHP2,000 financial assistance.

Charisse Mae Ampo-Bao, Nordeco communications manager, said the six barangays were New Balamban, Nueva Fuerza, Pandapan, Bincungan, Canocotan, and Cuambogan.

“The Pantawid Liwanag Program is a work of Electric Cooperatives (ECs) nationwide under the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA) and the RECOBODA Party-list. Before they can receive the assistance, they must first conduct a power line cleaning or the so-called line vegetation clearing in their barangay,” she added.

Bao said the purpose of vegetation clearing is to prevent or reduce accidental brownouts that are usually caused by tree branches or plants that obstruct the power lines.

The activity also complies with Republic Act 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act.

“PLP will help electric cooperatives like Nordeco for their MCOs that have been severely affected by the current pandemic,” she added.

Bao also bared that last week, 30 individual residents of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCos) were also given similar assistance after it carried outline vegetation clearing that spanned over 10 kilometers in six barangays of the city. (PNA)