NGCP reports decline in electrocution incidents with intensified campaign

by Myrna Velasco August 26, 2016
http://www.mb.com.ph/ngcp-reports-decline-in-electrocution-incidents-with-intensified-campaign/

Transmission asset concessionaire National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has reported decline in electrocution incidents at its facilities as an offshoot of intensified information and media education campaign.

The company credits expanded reach to local government units – up to the barangay level – as well as to the media, on purported achievement on this sphere.

The company noted that “with improved line safety campaign focusing on public engagement and a new media approach, NGCP is registering a decrease in electrocution incidents involving power transmission facilities in the country.”

NGCP further stated that it had been logging steady decline in electrocution mishaps “from a peak of 29 in 2012 to a five-year low of 17 in 2015.” The company similarly emphasized that “no employee-related accidents” have been registered so far from last year until this time.

“Information sessions focusing on transmission line safety and right-of-way (ROW) were conducted in barangays and local government units identified as crucial to NGCP operations, particularly project completion,” the company stressed.

NGCP has also been expecting further improvements as it widens its audience reach in an information dissemination pact it currently sealed with the Movie Television Review and Classification Board. (MMV)

This involves “free airing of NGCP safety videos in cinemas nationwide.” The company has also stepped up previous information campaign on the adverse impact of ROW violations, especially on power service delivery to end-users.

But while NGCP is brandishing improvement on communications campaign into trimming down electrocution tragedies, the company still badly needs to improve on media-response game plan and lessen its stonewalling on more critical issues that oftentimes compromise public interest.

Quick response to media queries is also needed on critical situations such as on the tight supply conditions in July-August and on questions relating to power plant shutdown schedules.

These issues and concerns have broad social and economic implications, but the company has not been as proactive on its media and information handling strategies.