Power distributor More Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Calle Real Underground Distribution System (UDS) project at Sunburst Park, Iloilo City on Tuesday, May 30.

The P96.4-million project aims to remove all overhead lines and place them underground. It is targeted to be finished in eight months.

According to MORE Power, the three-phase UDS project will harness innovation and to maximize the health, safety, and economic development of businesses and communities in the city.

The project’s Phase 1 entails Civil works. Phase 2 focuses on electrical works, involving cable laying and termination, while Phase 3 culminates in the removal of existing overhead lines and structures.

It will commence at the corner of Arroyo and J. M. Basa Streets, and will extend all the way up to Plaza Libertad, terminating at the corner of Zamora Street.

Roel Castro, MORE Power president, said the project is aligned with the local government’s initiatives to preserve the city’s culture and heritage.

“I think there are only very few cities in the Philippines that could really proudly say that they have very rich heritage, very rich culture that is actually seen from the edifices, from the monuments around the city that are testaments that the city has very rich culture and heritage.”

Meanwhile, City Mayor Jerry Treñas thanked MORE Power for the support it extended to the city government.

“By eliminating above-ground power lines, we significantly reduce the risk of accidents caused by inclement weather, fallen trees, or other unforeseen circumstances. The safety of our citizens is of paramount importance, and this project aligns with our commitment to ensuring a secure environment for all. Furthermore, this will maximize the beauty of our structures in calle real,” he said.

“As we embark on this transformative journey, we invite all stakeholders to join us in celebrating a future free from the constraints of periodic tree trimming, animal intrusions, and the associated risks. Together, we are poised to witness the realization of a safer, more reliable, and aesthetically pleasing electrical infrastructure along J.M. Basa Street,” Treñas added.

MORE Power partnered with Fibernet Konstrukt Corp (FKC), a world-class company specializing in sophisticated horizontal directional drilling construction, for underground duct and cable installations.IMT