Robredo calls for underground power, communication lines in typhoon-prone areas

Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday urged the government to prioritize building underground power and communication lines in typhoon-prone areas.

Robredo made the call in the aftermath of typhoon Odette which left 375 people dead and thousands homeless.

"One realization from the series of very strong typhoons which hit our country is that our next priority infrastructure development agenda should be putting electric and communication lines underground, particularly in typhoon-prone areas," Robredo, who already paid a visit to the Odette-hit areas of Bohol, Cebu, Surigao, Southern Leyte, and Dinagat Islands to distribute relief, said in a statement.

"[There are] many reasons [to do so]. First, in the long run, this would be cost-effective compared to the recurring costly rehabilitation of above-ground electric and communication lines and posts that are felled and destroyed by typhoons. Second, the disruption and absence of power and communication services adversely affect the economy and business," she added.

Likewise, Robredo also pointed out that natural disasters hamper health, hygiene, and sanitation services, as well as both virtual and face-to-face classes.

"This was already being pushed by [Albay] Congressman Edcel Lagman, whose district is right smack in the typhoon belt," she said.

"It is high time to start giving it very serious consideration," she added.

Robredo is running for president in the 2022 polls. — DVM, GMA News