Linemen are unsung heroes amid post-Odette power restoration

The linemen from various power utility companies have been working 24/7 to restore electricity in the homes of thousands affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

They spent hours on field away from their families while the typhoon destroyed homes, uprooted trees, and felled communication and power lines.

As of posting, two linemen have died in the line of duty.

Jade Aniceto Navera related in her social media post that her husband Ariel has been assigned to the 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. shift since December 16.

Due to his work schedule, Ariel was not able to be with them at the time Odette battered Cebu province.

She related that after Ariel's shift, "He slept for like 2 hours, got up and told me to go with him to look for resources (water, food, charging station, signal). We went around the city and saw the damage Odette caused. Fallen trees and electric poles in the middle of the streets."

After doing their errands, Ariel slept for only an hour and was back to work again.

"And there he goes again like he’s going to war. His passion for his job burns like the rubber burns on his motorcycle," said Jade.

"Tomorrow, after his shift, I’d be waiting for him to come home again. It breaks my heart to see his beaten up face. He’d sleep for a couple of hours and we’d go out again to find resources to survive this calamity," she added.

Fallen 'Warriors of Light'

So far, according to the social media posts of power cooperatives affected by the typhoon, two "Warriors of Light" have died.

Ronald Gallarde, a member of the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative II (Noreco 2) Tanjay clearing and restoration team, died on Christmas Day.

"The 31-year old victim was electrocuted while working to restore power in Lomboy, Barangay Tugas, Tanjay City after the damage from Typhoon Odette," Noreco 2 announced.

"Despite it being Christmas Day, the teams were working to hasten power restoration in the coverage area. The Warrior of Light is survived by his wife and three children," the company added.

Meanwhile, it was on December 20 when Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperation, Inc. (Surneco) announced that service lineman Al L. Abarico died.

"This happened in line with his duty during the clearing and retrieval operation of the damaged/ toppled distribution lines. He was hit by a moving concrete pole and fell his head on a steel pole. He was declared dead on the spot, despite the efforts to revive his life," Surneco said in a statement posted on social media.

"You may now rest in peace Sir Al, all your hard works and dedication to your work, even up to your last breath will always be remembered. Thank you for your 38th years of service to SURNECO!" it added.

Salute

Jade Navera pointed out that the linemen have sacrificed so much for their work.

"My point?" said Jade, "My husband is just one of the many linemen working out there on the streets, leaving their families behind, to help bring back power to our homes. So please be kind to them."

"If you see a lineman in the field it won’t cost you a cent to say thank you for their hard work. Or maybe offer a glass of water. Or a salute. Just a little something to lift their spirits up in this tragic time. And please, please be patient," she said.

"Di jud ni madala ug magic tanan. Sakit kaayo makabasa ug mga rant/reklamo nga dugay kuno kaayo paandaron ang kuryente," she added.

(All the work cannot be accomplished through magic. It's painful to read rants/complaints that the work to restore power is taking too slow.)

And to her husband, Jade said, "I love you ze husband babab Arnapz Navera! You’re a rockstar."

"And to my fellow wives of linemen, let’s all be extra loving to our partners. Di lagi ni forever ang grabe nga overtime pero forever nato ni sila kuyog," she added.

(Overtime work will not be forever, but they will be with us forever.) —BAP/KG, GMA News