Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday urged the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to ensure that all electric cooperatives (ECs) are compliant with Republic Act No. 11039, or the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund (ECERF), to mitigate the impact of natural calamities on power supply. Gatchalian emphasized the need for resilience in the energy sector, highlighting the importance of preparedness as the country faces an increasing frequency of severe weather events. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, who is the principal author of the ECERF law, stressed that the fund is designed to assist in the restoration and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, while also ensuring that distribution utilities have the capacity to withstand calamities. "The goal of ECERF is not just to provide funds that ECs can tap for the restoration and rehabilitation of their damaged infrastructures following a fortuitous event such as a typhoon, but to ensure that the distribution utilities are resilient to withstand calamities," Gatchalian stated in a news release. The law mandates that ECs submit annual vulnerability and risk assessments (VRAs), emergency response plans (ERPs), mitigation plans (MPs), and resiliency compliance plans to NEA. These requirements are aimed at bolstering the preparedness of electric cooperatives and minimizing power interruptions during adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, ECs must report the progress or completion status of the mitigation projects they have identified in their respective VRAs and MPs. Gatchalian highlighted the necessity of these measures, noting, "Given that the Philippines is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change risks and natural disasters, ECs need to develop their resilience to prevent power interruption, or at least shorten the period of such incidents during and after calamities." The senator's call to action follows the widespread devastation caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Tram i), which left numerous households in severely impacted areas struggling without electricity. With Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-Rey) on the horizon, there is an urgent need to bolster the resilience of the nation's power infrastructure to prevent further disruptions.