In February, the Philippine Senate approved Senate Bill No. 2888 on its third and final reading. This bill proposes to extend the service area of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (Davao Light).
If passed, the bill would add Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal, and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte, along with Maco in Davao de Oro, to Davao Light’s coverage.
The bill aims to help resolve ongoing power outages and high electricity costs in these areas currently served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
The bill was sent to Malacañang on March 6 and is now awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Alternatively, it could become law automatically on April 6 if not signed by then.
(Also read: Davao Light Awaits Presidential Approval to Deliver Reliable Power)
Key to unlocking the region’s potential
The Davao Consumer Movement urged President Marcos to sign the franchise expansion bill.
“The longer we wait, the longer the suffering of the consumers stretches on,” the consumer group said.
“By signing it into law, the Marcos administration has the opportunity to uplift the lives of the people of Davao del Norte but also Davao de Oro in the years to come,” it added.
The Davao Consumer Movement highlighted the importance of electricity for the growth and development of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
It also pointed out that with a dependable and efficient power distributor known for its years of reliable service and affordable rates, the provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro could unlock their full potential.
(Also read: Davao Light franchise bill will boost investment and address power issues–Alvarez)
“Do not keep us in the dark ages”
Mayor David Uy of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) allocated P300 million for a submarine cable to connect the city to Davao Light.
“Dili na mi kaagwanta (We could not take it anymore). That’s why we need to do something to solve the problem,” Mayor Uy shared.
Since 2021, power issues have caused Samal Island to lose an average of P125 million annually. The losses are spread across different sectors: P50 million in tourism, P30 million in local businesses, P20 million in fisheries, P15 million in households, and P10 million in public services and infrastructure.
(Also read: Power Woes in Tourist Spots a Bane for Business—Study)
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who authored the service expansion bill, says that Nordeco’s rates are still three to four pesos higher than those of Davao Light.
“Do not keep us in the dark ages,” the consumer group said. “We call on the President to bring us to a brighter future where we, the consumers, can enjoy reliable and affordable power. The time for action is now.”
Sources:
https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=19&q=SBN-2888
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/wegotmail-do-not-keep-us-in-the-dark-ages
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1956824/samal-govt-eyes-submarine-cable-for-stable-power-supply
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227905
https://opinion.inquirer.net/181574/a-power-sector-alphabet-soup
