With just a signature, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has the power to solve the ongoing electricity issues affecting residents and businesses in 16 towns and two cities across the Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro provinces.
This is a shared view among those served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco), which has faced criticism for its “poor services and frequent power outages” that have hindered the area’s economic progress.
A proposed law, Senate Bill 2888, is now waiting for the President’s approval. It is expected to be a game-changer for the two Davao provinces.
Dissatisfied with Nordeco’s poor services, Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Ignacio Jubahib stressed that a reliable and stable power supply is crucial for economic growth, particularly in attracting investments, creating jobs, and improving communities.
“For this reason, it is disheartening that the province of Davao del Norte finds it difficult to lure big investors and accelerate economic growth with the unstable power supply, higher electricity rates, and poor services provided by Nordeco,” Jubahib added.
(Also read: Consumer Group Urges Approval of Davao Light Franchise Bill)
Business groups call for better services
Several organizations are hoping for the approval of Senate Bill 2888, including the Tagum City Chamber of Commerce, Tagum Central SDA Church, Samal Chamber of Commerce, Samal Tourism Council, Samal Island Beach Resort Association, Samal City Agriculture & Fishery Council, Mabini (Davao de Oro) Chamber of Commerce, Samal Island Food Establishment Association, Samal Island Water Refilling Station, and the Mabini Protected Area Beach Resort Operators.
“Residents and businesses in the local government units under its franchise have long been suffering from inefficient services hampering progress in these areas,” the statement read.
Jubahib stated that despite ongoing customer complaints and repeated appeals from local officials and business groups, Nordeco has made little progress in addressing the long-standing issues impacting communities.
The governor criticized the utility provider for not reducing system losses, improving collection efficiency, or enhancing service quality, which he believes is a clear disservice to residents of the provinces.
“I refuse to remain passive while they continue to suffer. My deep concern for their well-being led me to organize public consultations and awareness campaigns to educate residents on the electricity crisis, a crucial public welfare matter,” the governor said.
(Also read: Power Woes in Tourist Spots a Bane for Business — Study)
Ball now in the President’s hands
Jubahib praised the Senate for approving a bill that expands Davao Light’s franchise area, now covering Tagum City and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte’s first district, as well as the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) in the second district.
Jubahib pointed out that Davao Light is a much more capable power distributor, with a proven history of delivering “adequate, stable, and affordable electricity.”
“The ball is now in the hands of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., and we hope that he will listen to the loud cry of the people this time around for robust and reliable electricity critical to the prosperity of the province,” said Jubahib.
Sources:
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/stable-power-supply-seen-with-enactment-of-senate-bill-2888/
https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/2/davao-del-norte-governor-cites-game-changing-senate-bill
