Benguet: Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) has made significant strides in restoring electricity to the areas affected by Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi), with power reinstated to 99.54 percent of the 233,411 consumer connections. This was confirmed by Laarni Ilagan of Beneco’s Corporate Communications Office, who expressed optimism about restoring power to the remaining areas by this weekend.

According to Philippines News Agency, despite the progress, some parts of northern Benguet, including Circuit 1, Circuit 2, and Circuit 4, as well as the Dalicno line in Itogon, still lack electricity. Specifically, the affected areas in Circuit 1 are Sagpat (Deckan) and Poblacion (Balaan) in Kibungan, while Circuit 2 includes Gusaran in Kabayan and parts of Poblacion (Mangakew and Catidey), Bobok-Bisal, and Pito, all located in Bokod. Additionally, parts of Lower Englandad, Tagontongao, and Paoay in Atok remain powerless.

In Circuit 4, the power outage affects a portion of Barangay Madaymen in Ki
bungan and parts of Ampusongan, Baculongan Sur, and Sebang (Pasbol). Meanwhile, Baguio City’s electricity has been fully restored.

Ilagan explained that Beneco personnel have concentrated their efforts in Benguet areas such as Atok, Bokod, Buguias, Bakun, and Mankayan, where the damage amounted to approximately PHP2.1 million due to destroyed electric poles and other facilities. She noted that 28 poles and four transformers were destroyed, complicating restoration efforts. The linemen’s operations have been challenged by road closures caused by landslides and unstable terrain, delaying the immediate restoration of collapsed poles.