When the lights went out in Masbate after the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, the “Warriors of Light” from Western Visayas answered the call.
Among them were the brave linemen of the Iloilo Electric Cooperative III (ILECO III)—armed not with weapons, but with wrenches, cables, and courage.
ILECO III joined nine other electric cooperatives in Western Visayas in sending help to Masbate Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MASELCO) under “Task Force Kapatid Masbate,” a bayanihan mission spearheaded by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to restore power in devastated areas.
According to Atty. James Balsomo III, ILECO III general manager, the team deployed a boom truck fully equipped with tools and materials, along with seven seasoned linemen, to help bring back electricity to communities plunged into darkness.
“Masbate called for help, and we couldn’t turn them down. MASELCO was among those who came to our aid during Typhoon Yolanda in 2013,” he recalled.
Balsomo said it was a “record-breaking moment” when ILECO III swiftly restored power in Iloilo’s 5th District after Yolanda—a success made possible through the same cooperative spirit now being extended to Masbate.
“That’s the essence of bayanihan. No one should be left behind,” he added.
Despite being affected by Opong themselves, ILECO III did not hesitate to respond to the call for help. While nearby towns also experienced temporary power interruptions, the cooperative quickly restored electricity in its service areas and sustained no major damage.
“Even though we were also hit by the storm, our linemen didn’t hesitate. They sacrificed time away from their families so that others could have their lights back,” Balsomo said proudly.
He assured that the deployed personnel are NC II-certified and highly trained to handle high-risk power restoration tasks safely and efficiently.
“We have enough manpower and assets here to respond to any power issues affecting our consumers while still helping our fellow cooperatives,” he emphasized.
Aside from ILECO III, ILECO I and II also sent support to strengthen the restoration mission.
Balsomo said this effort underscores one of the greatest strengths of the electric cooperative movement: solidarity in times of crisis.
“We may have limited resources, but when cooperatives unite, we become stronger. Sharing even small resources makes a huge difference—especially when we work as one,” he said.
As the “Warriors of Light” from Iloilo continue to work hand in hand with their counterparts in Masbate, their mission goes beyond restoring power—it’s about reigniting hope.
Because in every pole they raise and every line they reconnect, they remind us of what true bayanihan looks like: when one community lights up another.IMT
