Shanties built under 172 NGCP towers in Luzon

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan , Philippines  – Informal settlers have occupied vacant areas under and around 172 transmission towers in Luzon, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

Ronaldo Santiago, NGCP-North Luzon District 7 head, said the shanties built by the informal settlers pose danger to transmission facilities aside from being a fire hazard.

Santiago said they are conducting surveys on the number of informal settlers and information campaign on the right-of-way of the NGCP.

 Lida May Lopez, NGCP corporate initiative and advocacies division head, said they recently distributed notebooks and school supplies containing information on the hazard that high-voltage lines pose to the public and reminders to prevent accidents.

The school supplies were distributed to 14 elementary schools near transmission lines in Bulacan as part of the corporate social responsibility program of the NGCP dubbed ”Gamit ni Bulilit.”

The NGCP reiterated its appeal to local government units and the public to help them stop informal settlers from occupying areas around transmission towers.

“We are asking those who are living under our transmission facilities to move to a safer location away from our lines and towers to ensure that delivery of power to communities remains stable and uninterrupted,” NGCP said.

A power tower in Alabang, Muntinlupa recently collapsed after a fire hit an area occupied by informal settlers.