Power and Protection: Mankayan Vows Guardianship of New 10 MVA Substation Power Transformer

By Laarni S. Ilagan

MANKAYAN, BENGUET— Standing as a new heartbeat for regional development, the community of Bulalacao has solemnized a collective vow to protect the newly commissioned 10 MVA power substation transformer. During the recent inauguration, residents and officials alike pledged to safeguard the facility, which now stabilizes electricity for Circuits 4 and 5, covering Mankayan, Buguias, parts of Kabayan, and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

The commissioning marks a critical upgrade from the aging 3.75 MVA transformer that previously struggled to meet the region’s growing energy needs. District 11 (Benguet) Director Juanito Bagayao emphasized local ownership during the ceremony, telling residents in the local dialect that the substation belongs to the community. He urged everyone to “aywanan tayu” (take care of it) and remain vigilant by reporting any suspicious activities near the installation.

The journey to this inauguration began two years ago when the original transformer suffered significant damage. Fraiser Angayen, Technical Department Manager of BENECO, recalled that the cooperative was forced to rent a unit from the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO) to restore power within a month. Despite logistical delays caused by typhoons and shipping constraints, the new 10 MVA unit was finally energized in December to monitor its performance before the rented unit was returned to ISECO on January 19.

Data as of January reveal that the new transformer is already operating at 50 percent capacity. This headroom is vital for the region, particularly as Mankayan remains a primary mining hub where power demand is both high and constant. BENECO management noted that the upgrade was essential to ensure reliability for a sector that serves as the economic backbone of the community.

The history of power development in the area reflects gradual expansion and the overcoming of technical challenges. BENECO’s Acting General Manager, Artemio Bacoco, noted that 14 years ago, the cooperative established the Northern Sub-Area Office to manage Mankayan, Buguias, and Bakun. The cooperative eventually took over the Balili area in Mankayan from MOPRECO, later connecting it to the Bulalacao substation and building an additional site in Sinipsip, Buguias, to manage the increasing load.

Mankayan Vice Mayor Aldrin S. Camiling highlighted the emotional and historical significance of electrification, recalling how the energization of Barangay Sapid in the 1980s “brightened the faces” of residents. He stressed that electricity is a “crucial aspect of our lives” and offered a prayer that the new facility would require less maintenance and result in fewer power interruptions for dependent households.

Community cooperation was evident even before the blessing ceremony. SB Member Mateo Batane shared that when the heavy transformer was delivered, the community mobilized voluntarily. Local residents, such as Mr. Jericho Labi, lent heavy equipment, including loaders, to assist in the installation. Furthermore, local tanods have officially integrated the substation into their patrol routes to help ensure the security of the facility.

Councilor Reynald Manuit emphasized that for the mining communities of Suyoc and Palasaan, electricity is not merely a convenience but a lifeline for their livelihoods. He noted that the town’s rapid progress is directly linked to BENECO’s ability to act swiftly in delivering high-capacity infrastructure. BENECO Board Member Joseph Zambrano and the Board of Directors, represented by Ascano, affirmed their continued support for major projects that keep pace with the province’s rapid growth.

The ceremony concluded with a lighthearted yet sincere prayer: “Ilaem adi ta adika manti-trip!” (Please do not trip!). With the blessing complete, the LGU and BENECO have called upon the local police and the community at large to remain vigilant guardians of this vital installation, ensuring that the light brought to the mountains stays on for generations to come. (LSI)