ILOILO City – Some couples in parts of Aklan, Capiz and northern Iloilo may be celebrating Valentine’s Day with fewer watts but, hopefully, the same amount of kilig.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has scheduled power interruptions on Saturday, Feb. 14, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to pave the way for maintenance work at its Panitan Substation.
Affected are areas covered by Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) in Andagao, Altavas, Lezo and Ibajay; Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) in Dao, Mambusao, Timpas TR2 and President Roxas; and Iloilo Electric Cooperative 3 (ILECO 3) in Ajuy, Sara, Balasan and Estancia.
According to NGCP, the temporary outage will allow a load transfer between substations while preventive maintenance is conducted on Transformer No. 1 in Panitan. The electric cooperatives will determine the specific barangays to be affected.
For residents, the advisory means practical adjustments on a day usually reserved for grand gestures and glowing selfies.
Those planning sunrise surprises may need to prepare breakfast without the usual kitchen appliances. Meanwhile, the late-afternoon interruption could test the readiness of households rushing to iron outfits, chill desserts or charge devices before heading out.
Some netizens joked that Valentine’s ambiance might come built-in this year — minus the electric bill for mood lighting. Others took it as a reminder to prepare early and keep power banks within reach.
NGCP said it will work to restore electricity as scheduled or earlier if possible.
Whether under bright lights or by battery backup, Panay couples are expected to keep their dates — with flowers, chocolates, and perhaps a little extra patience./PN
