BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
Despite the risks involved in their work, linemen from across Luzon gathered today to showcase their skills in a competitive rodeo hosted by the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA).
Among them was Rene Garcia, a lineman from Quezon province who has served for 18 years.
In 2013, he suffered a leg injury while on duty, but continued to work in the field.
“Our job is to deliver electricity to those who need it,” Garcia said.
For 31-year-old Jayvee Narag from Benguet Electric Cooperative, the work is just as vital.
“It’s really important that we restore power quickly because people depend on it,” he said.
These linemen, rain or shine, brave dangers daily to serve the public. Around 400 of them joined the third PHILRECA “Warriors of Light” Summit to test their technical skills—ranging from pole climbing, line repair, to first aid.
One of the highlights was the “Rodeo King” challenge, where participants had 40 minutes to complete tasks such as undressing and erecting poles, tying knots, and climbing.
Jhoven Balotcopo from BATALEC II in Batangas said, “It’s really tough managing time during pole erection and ensuring every step is correct.”
Janeene Depay-Colingan, PHILRECA’s executive director and general manager, said the goal of the event was to recognize the hard work of linemen and improve their skills through competition.
“This year, we also introduced new safety modules and upgraded the challenge structures compared to last year,” she added.
Six electric cooperatives from seven regions joined the event, including RECA I, NELECA, CLECA, ASTEC IV-A, and ASTEC IV-B.
This activity honors the dangerous yet vital work of linemen across Luzon, who face daily challenges to ensure electricity reaches homes and communities.
Winners of the event will move on to the national rodeo to be held in Boracay later this year.
