Early in the morning, barangay officials worked together to remove old and leaning electric poles in Barangay Poblacion, Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

The team started at Serafica Street, where they aimed to take down eight poles by the end of the day.

These poles were either unstable or in the way of planned road widening projects.

“Rehabilitation ang tawag natin dito, kailangan ilipat kasi obstruction sa kalsada. Kasi if mag-widening, makukuha ‘yang mga ‘yan kaya nililipat na sa strategic place, atsaka natutumba na sila kasi nasasagi ‘yan ng mga truck na dumadaan dito,” Jose Fabia, a barangay councilman, said.

To ensure the area remains well-lit, solar-powered streetlights were installed before removing the old poles.

Last year, over 70 old poles were removed across different parts of the barangay. This year, officials plan to take down more than 50.

“Ang poste namin ay mahigit 400, nasa 70 na ang natatanggal namin na napapalitan, kaunti palang [pero] unti-untiin namin ito,” Fabia added.

Residents welcome the improvements, as safer and brighter streets will help prevent accidents and improve security in the area.