Manila: The Department of Energy has called on all energy stakeholders to adopt a proactive and resilient power restoration approach following a string of tropical cyclones that hit the country to date. In a news release Monday, Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasized the need for a "build back better" strategy, focusing on constructing more typhoon-resistant power lines and enhancing the energy network's data capabilities. According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Lotilla stressed the importance of continuously evaluating the wind resistance and structural integrity of existing distribution and transmission lines and other energy assets across the country. "The goal is to strengthen the power lines in high-risk areas, ensuring that these lines can better withstand the impact of future storms, thus minimizing disruptions and reducing the risks posed by extreme weather events," he said. Lotilla highlighted that proactive measures would enhance the resilience of the country's energy infrastruct ure and help safeguard communities from prolonged power outages during severe weather conditions. He noted that while some electric cooperatives have upgraded distribution lines to handle winds up to 280 kilometers per hour, others, including 69 kV transmission lines, remain vulnerable, with maximum wind resistance of only 160 kph. Mapping critical energy assets such as oil and gas facilities, generation plants, and transmission lines is also crucial for preparing and safeguarding against emergencies, Lotilla added. Restoration efforts are underway in areas severely impacted by Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi) across Northern and Southern Luzon, Aurora province, the Bicol Region, and other affected areas to bring electricity back to communities. As of Monday, partial restorations have been completed on the Bayombong-Lagawe and the Cabanatuan-San Luis 69 kV lines, with ongoing efforts in areas served by the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO), Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO) II, and A urora Electric Cooperative (AURELCO). Restoration is also progressing on the Santiago-Cauayan 69 kV line, which serves Isabela Electric Cooperative (ISELCO), with National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) line crews actively working in accessible areas. In addition, restoration work is ongoing in regions severely affected by Tropical Storm Nika (Toraji), including those served by ISELCO I and II, Quirino Electric Cooperative (QUIRELCO), Kalinga Electric Cooperative (KAELCO), IFELCO, and AURELCO. The DOE reported that NEA, through its Task Force Kapatid program, has deployed 84 linemen, including responders from NUVELCO I, to assist ISELCO I with restoration efforts. Efforts are also being made in regions affected by Tropical Cyclone Ofel (Usagi), including those served by Cagayan Electric Cooperative I and II (CAGELCO I and II) and the Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative (CASURECO) III, following damage from Tropical Cyclone Kristine (Trami). Lotilla stated that as of Sunday, CAGELCO II has restore d over 72 percent of its service area, with additional support from Tarlac I Electric Cooperative (TARELCO) and Peninsula Electric Cooperative (PENELCO). A total of 39 electric cooperatives from 26 provinces and seven regions affected by Pepito are currently under monitoring and assessment. In Catanduanes, the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative implemented a manual shutdown, affecting 60,657 consumer connections across the province. "The energy sector remains fully committed to restoring power to affected areas as quickly as possible, demonstrating unwavering dedication to both serving communities and ensuring the resilience of the nation's energy infrastructure in the face of natural disasters," Lotilla affirmed.