MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) has successfully connected its underground distribution system (UDS), marking a significant milestone in the company’s initiative to modernize Iloilo City’s power infrastructure. The connection, established on Saturday, serves Intensity Fitness Gym, located on JM Basa Street.
In a statement, MORE Power said the gym underwent rigorous checks and tests to ensure the safe and effective functioning of the new underground system. The project, initiated in mid-2023, is a key part of a larger effort to enhance power distribution in Iloilo City.
The UDS project, costing approximately P96 million, involves the relocation of overhead electrical lines along a one-kilometer stretch of the city’s business district, including the historic Calle Real. The project encompasses several streets, from Arroyo to Aldeguer, Guanco, Mapa, Ortiz, and Rizal/Zamora, culminating at Plaza Libertad.
To minimize disruption, MORE Power employed horizontal directional drilling, a technique that allows for the installation of utilities without the need for open trenches. Construction activities were strategically scheduled from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to avoid daytime traffic congestion.
Roel Castro, president and CEO of MORE Power, expressed optimism about the project’s future, saying, “The successful connection of the Intensity Fitness Gym to our UDS system in Calle Real is just the beginning. Investing in underground infrastructure underscores our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We will continue to keep our customers informed as we expand this initiative.”
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, highlighting the role of telecommunications and cable TV providers in transforming the city’s visual landscape. He noted, “This effort goes beyond aesthetics; it reflects our goal of delivering improved, reliable, and efficient utility services to every Ilonggo family. With this underground distribution system, Iloilo City sets a new standard for urban development in the region, harmonizing heritage, progress, and quality of life.”
As MORE Power moves forward, the UDS project promises to enhance both the efficiency of power distribution and the overall aesthetic of Iloilo City.
