Meralco on full alert for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has assured its customers of its readiness to respond to any electricity service concerns throughout the holiday season.

Meralco said the company’s operations crews would be on standby round-the-clock throughout the holiday season, even on Christmas Day, to “keep the lights on and ensure a bright, merry and accident-free celebration for its 7.8 million customers.”

Meralco Business Centers, however, will be closed on declared holidays Dec. 25, 26, 30 and Jan. 1.

With the holiday season in full swing, Meralco also advised the public to prioritize safety to avoid any untoward electricity-related incident.

Among its reminders are ensuring the use of Christmas lights with quality control markings, avoiding “octopus” connections and overloading, unplugging Christmas lights and other appliances when not in use and having a working fire extinguisher at home.

“We encourage our customers to practice electrical safety for a bright and accident-free holiday celebration,” Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said.

“Rest assured, contingency measures are in place and our crews are on standby ready to respond to any concern on our electricity service,” he said.

Meralco is the largest electric power distribution company in the country, providing electric service within its franchise area covering Metro Manila, all of the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan and parts of the provinces of Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna and Quezon.

Also on alert are private hospitals across the country.

Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, president of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI), said private hospitals are prepared for any emergency situation even during the Christmas season.

The PHAPI chief said member-hospitals, just like government hospitals, are capable of admitting patients suffering from different illnesses, including COVID-19.

“We have maintained isolation areas for COVID and other infectious diseases,” De Grano added.

The Department of Health earlier noted an increase in COVID-19 cases in the country but referred to it as “minimal increase” only.

The country has also recorded an increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) recently.

ILI is defined as a medical diagnosis of possible influenza or other illness causing a set of common symptoms like fever, shivering, chills, dry cough, loss of appetite, body aches and nausea, sneezing typically in connection with a sudden onset of illness.

Common emergencies handled by hospitals during this time of the year are firecracker related injuries and food poisoning and gastroenteritis due to holiday overeating.

To avoid getting sick, De Grano again reminded the public to practice minimum public health protocols such as hand washing and wearing of face mask.

“Avoid crowded and congested areas, and those with poor ventilation,” he said.

He stressed that all vulnerable members of the population, like the very young and elderly, should wear face masks.

“If with symptoms, isolate and if symptoms get worse, go to the hospital and seek consultation,” De Grano said.