National Line Workers Appreciation Day Act

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 A1:01 SENATE RETT S. No. - 49% Introduced by Senator Francis G. Escudero AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE FIRST MONDAY OF AUGUST EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL LINE WORKERS APPRECIATION DAY EXPLANATORY NOTE The reliability of the Philippine electrical transmission and distribution system rests on the hands of the hardworking Filipino line workers. Despite this valuable contribution to nation-building and economic development, their efforts are often underappreciated by the energy industry and the society at large. To address this situation, this bill seeks to declare every first Monday of August of every year as the National Line Workers Appreciation Day. This bill also directs the National Electrification Administration, in collaboration with other stakeholders, to ensure that the National Line Workers Day is observed through the conduct of relevant activities, training, seminars and learning sessions. Through these interventions, it is hoped that their significant contribution to the economy and society is rightfully acknowledged, and that our line workers remain steadfast to their chosen occupation. In view of the foregoing, and in advancing the objectives of House Bill No. 7426 approved on Third Reading by the House of Representatives in the Nineteenth Congress, the passage of this bill with dispatch is earnestly sought. FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO

Car, arg TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 A1 :02 SENATE 1?.1 S. No. - Introduced by Senator Francis G. Escudero AN ACT PROCLAIMING THE FIRST MONDAY OF AUGUST EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL LINE WORKERS APPRECIATION DAY Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Line Workers

2 Appreciation Day Act".

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the country's continued

4 economic growth and development by maintaining a reliable supply of electricity to 5 the different industries and households, through a well-maintained electricity 6 distribution and transmission system. Thus, it acknowledges the role of the electrical 7 line workers in the quest for sustainable rural development through total electrification 8 of the countryside and appreciates the contribution of our line workers in nation- building.

Sec. 3. National Line Worker Appreciation Day. - The first Monday of August

and every year thereafter is hereby declared as the "National Line Workers Appreciation Day".

Sec. 4. Program of Activities. - The National Electrification Administration (NEA)

shall, in coordination with other stakeholders in the power industry including electric cooperatives, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Transmission Corporation, Private Electric Power Operators Association, Manila Electric Company and other organizations employing line workers, conduct lecture sessions for line

1 workers, such as, trainings and seminars to ensure the significance of the National 2 Line Workers Appreciation Day and its meaningful observance. The NEA shall spearhead the conduct of an annual national convention as part 4 of the program of activities for this day. Electric cooperatives shall likewise support 5 the NBA in all its efforts to promote and facilitate related activities. The Department of Energy and private distribution utilities, including power 7 transmission companies and telecommunications companies, are hereby enjoined to 8 launch activities such as trainings, seminars and learning sessions for line workers in 9 celebration of the National Line Workers Appreciation Day.

Sec. 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is declared

11 unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, acts, decrees, executive orders, issuances,

and rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to and inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately following its

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,