WARRIORS OF LIGHT. The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (NORDECO) honors its linemen on Monday (Aug. 2, 2021) in observance of the Linemen Appreciation Day. The linemen, also called warriors of light, were honored for their bravery and hard work in ensuring the continuous flow of electricity to households amid the coronavirus pandemic and varying weather conditions. (Photo courtesy of Nordeco)
DAVAO CITY – The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) honored on Monday its linemen whom it called 'warriors of light' for their courage and hard work in ensuring continuous power supply to households despite the coronavirus pandemic and varying weather conditions.
In a statement Tuesday, Nordeco said that together with 120 electric cooperatives (EC) throughout the Philippines, they expressed their gratitude for the sacrifices, determination, and inspiration that these workers provide.
“The linemen and area officers had a motorcade from Tagum City to Montevista office as an opening of the event. National Electrification Administration (NEA) led the event and conducted a virtual program this morning,” it said.
Nordeco general manager Mario Angelo Sotto conducted a program to honor and recognize the EC's linemen.
“These linemen are not just courageous in fulfilling their duties but they also fearlessly showcased their talents as they had a dance presentation. Today, let’s say thank you to our great linemen for bringing us all the comfort while risking their lives on the line,” Sotto said.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 9524 providing mandatory insurance coverage and benefits to line workers and House Bill 9489 establishing a National Linemen Appreciation Day every August 2.
Voting with 225 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions, the chamber passed House Bill 9489 proclaiming the first Monday of August every year as National Linemen Appreciation Day in honor of their invaluable contribution to “nation-building” and “sustainable rural development through total electrification of the countryside”.
The bill mandates the NEA in coordination with other stakeholders in the power industry to celebrate the said day through the conduct of an annual national convention and a series of activities such as training, seminars, and learning sessions.
Also approved with 225 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions are House Bill 9524, or An Act Providing For Mandatory Insurance Coverage And Benefits For All Line Workers.
The bill mandates the employers of line workers to provide for life and accident or disability insurance and mandatory benefits such as retirement benefits, mortuary assistance, disability benefits, and reimbursement of actual medical expenses in case of death, accident, sickness, disability, or injury sustained by the line worker in the line of duty. (PNA)
