Bagong Henerasyon Party-list Representative Robert Nazal is urging the national government to begin seriously evaluating a plan to shift key power lines and telecommunications cables underground, saying the move is essential to protect critical services amid intensifying natural disasters.

According to a report by Milky Rigonan, Nazal said his recommendation is anchored on House Bill 6100, or the proposed Nationwide Underground Cable System, which seeks to strengthen long-term disaster preparedness and ensure uninterrupted essential services during calamities.

Nazal stressed that the need has become more urgent as the country faces the worsening impacts of climate change, citing the devastation caused by strong storms such as Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan.

According to Nazal, both Meralco and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) already have initial plans and small-scale projects for underground power lines, including in parts of Quezon City.

He added that several coastal towns—particularly those most vulnerable to typhoons—could serve as pilot sites for wider implementation. Among the areas he identified were Catanduanes, Batanes, Aurora, Albay, Camarines Sur, Quezon, Samar Island, Agusan, Surigao, and Dinagat Island.

Nazal noted that while the nationwide shift to underground utilities will require significant investment, the long-term benefits—increased resilience, reduced repair costs, and uninterrupted power and communication during emergencies—far outweigh the challenges.

The congressman urged the government, power distributors, and telecom companies to begin comprehensive studies and consultations to determine feasible locations, funding mechanisms, and rollout timelines.