Power Restoration Efforts in Northern Benguet Continue

By: Laarni S. Ilagan

Despite ongoing reports of damage, BENECO aims to fully restore consumer connections by the end of November 2025.

Although the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) has restored 96 percent of consumer connections as of November 21, 2025 (2 PM), the cooperative is intensifying efforts in Northern Benguet municipalities as it continues to uncover further damage to its distribution system caused by Super Typhoon Uwan.

“Based on our latest assessment today, we hope to complete all our backbone lines by tomorrow. This will allow us to focus on restoring our lateral lines all the way to our consumers’ households,” said Network Services Department (NSD) Manager Fraiser Angayen. “We hope to attain 100% restoration by the end of November.”

According to Angayen, BENECO’s organic linemen teams and contractors are racing to restore damaged backbone poles from Man-asok Bridge to Amlimay and Pacso, Kabayan (under Circuit 2).

Meanwhile, along Halsema Highway, heavy maintenance teams augmented by contractors are restoring backbone lines from Sayangan to Pakpakitan, Madaymen, and extending up to Natubleng.

Teams are also currently repairing laterals from Camp 30 to Buguias.

Of the 226 total poles damaged by Super Typhoon Uwan, 191 are located in Northern Benguet. Inspectors and engineers are currently intensifying their assessments, moving inward to cover the lateral lines.

The total cost of damages has reached P17.8 million. The most significant costs were recorded in Baguio City (P5.6 million), Buguias (P4.8 million), Kabayan (P1.5 million), Atok (P1.4 million), and Mankayan (P1.3 million).

Angayen remains optimistic that the technical department’s target of full restoration by month’s end will be achieved. (LSI)