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A court order issued in Tagum City has allowed Davao Light and Power Company Inc. to further extend its electricity distribution operations across parts of Davao del Norte, advancing the company’s takeover of facilities once managed by Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).
The utility firm announced that the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 granted a Supplemental Writ of Possession dated May 15, giving Davao Light authority to assume control of the remaining distribution assets still under Nordeco’s operation. The development strengthens the rollout of Republic Act No. 12144, the law that expanded the company’s franchise into selected areas of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
The court sheriff also issued a formal notice directing the electric cooperative to vacate the facilities covered by the takeover order. “The Court hereby finds that the Plaintiff Davao Light and Power Company has a lawful right to expropriate the property of the defendant Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Incorporated for public use,” said the order, referring to distribution assets currently being used to provide electricity services in the covered areas.
However, Nordeco said it would contest the Supplemental Writ of Possession and the accompanying Notice to Vacate, arguing that the order extends to its electric posts and related facilities in Tagum City, Kapalong, Talaingod, and portions of New Corella not included in the original implementation order. The cooperative added that it intends to elevate the matter to the proper legal forum, similar to its earlier response to the initial writ.
(Also read: Rising Electricity Demand In Mindanao Boosts Alsons Revenue)
Power Service Improves in Samal
In April 205, Davao Light inaugurated the submarine cable connecting Samal Island to Davao City. This allows the delivery of a 50-megawatt (MW) power supply, which is more than four times the island’s current electricity demand.
The project includes laying a 1.25-kilometer, 69-kilovolt (kV) submarine cable across the route. The interconnection work was carried out as a complex engineering operation led by a coordinated team of engineers, technical specialists, and divers who successfully deployed a 1,015-meter advanced cable across the Pakiputan Strait. The route was deliberately planned at the closest point between the two islands to streamline installation and reduce the overall footprint, helping to lessen disturbance to the surrounding marine ecosystem.
The initiative is expected to support economic activity on Samal Island, which has long faced recurring power interruptions but has continued to rely on its tourism-driven “paradise” identity. Situated just a 10-minute ferry ride from Davao City, the island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, white-sand beaches, rich biodiversity, and a local culture that remains a key draw for visitors despite infrastructure challenges.
According to IGaCoS (Island Garden City of Samal) Special Adviser on Tourism and Investments Dr. Noel Daquioag, residents and resort operators have long endured unstable electricity, with outages ranging from brief interruptions to extended blackouts that have hindered local growth. He noted that despite efforts to adapt, the lack of reliable power has made daily operations increasingly difficult for both households and businesses.
In 2023, the island was placed under a State of Calamity, prompting the local government to deploy emergency generator sets as a stopgap measure.
Former Mayor Al David Uy revealed that Samal had been losing an estimated ₱120 million to ₱150 million in economic activity each year since the 2010s, attributing the decline to long-standing service disruptions and unresolved power issues under Nordeco. He highlighted that these persistent constraints have weighed on business expansion and overall growth.
Aliene Pearl Condez, marketing manager of Villa Amparo Beach Resort, described how frequent power outages became part of daily operations, with some lasting as long as 12 hours at a time. To keep the resort functional and maintain guest comfort, management had to invest in two generator units as a backup power source. She explained that the added expenses significantly strained operations, diverting funds that could have otherwise been allocated to facility improvements or employee benefits.
Meanwhile, Julian Rodriguez, who owns Paradise Island Park and Beach Resort, asserted that a stable electricity supply is essential to sustaining operations in the tourism sector. He pointed out that his 82-room property relies on continuous power to run air conditioning, provide hot water, and maintain high-speed internet—services that guests expect as standard, but which require significant operational effort to deliver consistently, particularly in Samal.
Rodriguez recalled that frequent and unpredictable power interruptions once put significant strain on the resort’s operations, forcing management to rely on multiple generator sets just to stay functional. The ongoing instability also drove up fuel costs and contributed to faster wear and tear on equipment, with appliances deteriorating far sooner than expected.
“I am happy and thankful to Davao Light for coming in,” he said. “With the Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge nearing completion in 2027, we expect business to pick up.”
Additionally, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I. Jubahib underscored the submarine cable’s significance in improving energy security and sustaining Samal Island’s economic growth. “So nakita nato unsa ka importante ang power nga maoy diri nagsugod ang development, ang mahimong catalyst sa ekonomiya,” he said. (“We have seen how important power is, as it is where development begins and becomes the catalyst for the economy”).
Samal Mayor Lemuel Reyes also expressed optimism, noting that past investor interest was often hindered by concerns over the island’s unreliable electricity supply. He said that previously, he had little assurance to offer when asked about power stability, as service conditions were a recurring issue. “Now that Davao Light is here, when investors come in, I can honestly say they are welcome to invest because Davao Light is now the provider,” he stated in Bisaya.
(Also read: Davao Households To Save On Electricity Bills As ERC Halts Renewable Energy Charge)
Monitoring Davao Light’s Performance
Recently, Davao Light announced a reduction in residential electricity rates for the May 2026 billing cycle. The overall rate dropped to ₱10.35 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from ₱10.53 in the previous month, resulting in estimated savings of about ₱35.94 for households consuming around 200 kWh. The adjustment covers bills issued from May 12 to June 10.
The decline was largely attributed to reduced transmission costs from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NCP), along with a directive from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) suspending the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collection for May and June 2026. It marks the second straight month of lower residential rates, offering continued relief for consumers during the hot and dry season.
Despite the good news, the Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) stressed that expansion efforts should go hand in hand with stronger operational performance and more reliable power service. The group said that as coverage grows, equal attention must be given to improving grid stability across both newly covered and existing franchise areas.
“Consumers in several parts of Davao Light’s current coverage area continue to report recurring and prolonged power outages,” stated DCM. “While we acknowledge Davao Light’s efforts to maintain transparency through public advisories and consumer engagement, these concerns show that stronger technical and operational improvements are still needed.”
Davao Light has appealed for patience and understanding as it carries out ongoing transition and system improvement efforts. The company acknowledged that temporary service interruptions may be unavoidable during rehabilitation works, including vegetation clearing near power lines, as well as the repair and upgrading of aging distribution infrastructure.
“Davao Light remains committed to ensuring a smooth, orderly, and lawful transition process with minimal disruption to consumers,” assured the company.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/court-favors-davao-light-expansion-in-davao-del-norte
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2214344/samal-island-secures-50-mw-power-via-submarine-cable
https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/09/davao-light-revives-an-island-ready-to-thrive
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/mayor-samal-loses-p120-p150m-yearly-due-to-unresolved-power-woes
