After careful investigation, it was found out that tree branches that get in the way of the NAPOCOR’s transmission lines are the cause of the sudden power interruptions chronically reported by LGU-Bayambang’s constituents who are also CENPELCO consumers from around the different barangays. The overreaching branches of bamboo, paper tree, and mahogany are reportedly the most common culprits.

With this in mind, the Sangguniang Bayan’s Committee on Public Utilities and Facilities, Rules, Laws and Ordinances headed by Councilor Benjamin Francisco S. de Vera and Committee on Environment and Natural Resources headed by Councilor Mylvin T. Junio held a public hearing on February 9, 2018 at 9 AM at the SB Session Hall of the Legislative Bldg.

Presiding over the hearing were Councilors De Vera and Junio and their committee members, Councilors Martin Terrado II, Catalina de Vera, Amory Junio, Philip Dumalanta, and Joseph Vincent Ramos together with SB’s Legal Officer Atty. Czarina Martinez.

In attendance were CENPELCO officer Javy Aragon and other fellow officers, Bureau of Fire Protection’s chief SFO3 Raymund Palisoc Jr., and the different Punong Barangays of the municipality.

The hearing was specifically aimed at receiving views and comments from the public with regard to the Proposed Municipal Resolution adopting Provincial Ordinance No. 93-2000 entitled “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Construction of Structures, Planting of Trees and Other Plant Species Having a Potential Growth in Height of at Least 17 Feet and the Burning of Waste, Grass, Etc. Under and Along the High Tension Transmission Lines and Towers of the National Power Corporation or Distribution Lines of the Electric Cooperatives and Utilities and Within Its Right of Way, and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof.”

Among the salient points raised is that the new provincial ordinance will exact a stiff fine for violators — in the amount of P5,000, to be exact, and the potential violations include the burning of garbage/waste under the power lines or at the base of Cenpelco posts.

The public hearing ended with SB members agreeing together with the CENPELCO representatives, BFP chief, and the PBs to adopt the said provincial ordinance through an equivalent municipal resolution to be drafted very soon.