Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez has refiled the Davao Light Franchise Bill, explaining that it was the best course of action for his constituents.
He believes the bill will help reduce power interruptions and lower electricity costs for residents and businesses, making the region more attractive to investors and creating more jobs.
“With this bill becoming into law, investors will be encouraged to locate in the 1st district of Davao del Norte. Where the supply and distribution of electricity will be much reliable, businesses will flourish. Jobs will be generated in our province,” Alvarez said.
The bill, which has already passed through the House of Representatives and is nearing final approval, aims to provide more stable and affordable electricity to various regions in Davao.
(Also read: Senate Approves Davao Light’s Franchise Expansion)
Extended services in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro
The legislation will allow Davao Light to extend its services to more areas, including Davao City, Panabo City, Tagum City, and the Island Garden City of Samal, as well as the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, Santo Tomas, Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod in Davao del Norte.
The municipalities of Compostela, Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan in Davao de Oro would also be included in Davao Light’s franchise expansion.
(Also read: DOE Mindanao in need of more energy sources for energy security)
A better and brighter future
Alvarez highlighted the importance of this expansion, emphasizing that it would be a boon for communities facing unreliable and expensive electricity.
“Masaya ako para sa probinsya kasi matagal na naming problema ang mahal at hindi maaasahang kuryente sa lugar namin. Dahil sa pagpasa ng panukalang batas na ito, magiging possible na ang abot kaya at maaasahang supply ng kuryente para sa buong Davao del Norte. Maliwanag yan (I’m happy for the province because expensive and unstable power have been a perennial problem in our area. Because of this proposed bill, having a stable supply of power for Davao del Norte has become possible. That’s very clear),” Alvarez shared.
The unstable power supply has long been a problem, especially for businesses, hospitals, and schools.
“Yung mga ospital, biruin mo, pano ka mag-oopera eh biglang mawawalan ng kuryente? May mga namatay na dahil sa brownout na yan. At yung mga bata, pano makakapagaral kung maya’t-maya mawawalan na naman ng ilaw at mamamatay ang electric fan? Hindi talaga tama ang nangyayari. Maling-mali (Like in hospitals, how can they operate when the power suddenly goes out? People have already died because of brownouts. And the kids, how can they study when there’s light and the electric fan every now and then? What’s happening now is very wrong),” Alvarez said.
(Also read: Davao Light powers 182 barangays in Davao City)
Though the President vetoed a similar bill in the past, Alvarez is confident that this new effort will succeed. He urged President Marcos to approve the bill, noting that the public’s needs should be considered together with the cooperatives that have failed to address the region’s electricity issues.
“Umaasa po kami ngayon na sana mabigyan ng tamang gabay si Pangulong Marcos na magdesisyon ng tama at huwag na niyang i-veto. Isipin naman niya ang kalagayan ng taong bayan at hindi lang yung kooperatiba na napatunayang hindi kaya solusyunan ang brownout at mahal na singil ng kuryente sa amin (We hope President Marcos would be given proper guidance to decide appropriately and not veto the bill. We wish he would also think about the difficult situation of the people and not only about the cooperative that’s proven to be ineffective in solving brownouts and expensive power costs),” Alvarez said.
