By Ed Morales

BULAKAN, BULACAN – Around 200 families in Sitio Apulid, Barangay San Francisco, are urging the government and Meralco to act immediately, citing safety hazards and lack of basic services in their community.

In a statement, it said that residents are calling on the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to compel the Manila Electric Company to replace temporary electric posts that were built by the community at their own expense.

The replacement of 17 permanent Meralco posts, originally scheduled nearly two years ago, has yet to be completed, the source said.

“The daily floods during high tide have weakened the foundations of these makeshift posts, causing some to collapse. This puts lives at risk every day,” one resident told Republika News in an interview.

Currently, the temporary lines are connected to the nearest Meralco post, 500 meters away, it said.

In addition to the electricity issue, residents are demanding that the local government extend the waterline system to their community.

Sitio Apulid is currently served by Hiyas Water District, forcing residents to travel one kilometer to access potable water.

“The lack of permanent electric posts and water service is a clear neglect of basic public safety and welfare. Immediate action is long overdue,” the statement read.