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AboitizPower subsidiary Davao Light and Power Co. has begun installing a 1,015-meter submarine cable across the Pakiputan Strait, marking a critical step in addressing persistent power issues in the Island Garden City of Samal.
The 69-kilovolt interconnection project will link Samal’s electricity network to the Davao City mainland grid, providing a more stable and reliable supply for the island’s more than 119,000 residents. The project is targeted for completion by mid-2026, with initial energization expected as early as the last week of April.
Designed to deliver up to five times the island’s current 15-megawatt demand, the submarine cable forms the backbone of the broader Davao-Samal Power Interconnection Project.
Supply Security
For years, Samal has relied on a single power supplier, leaving it vulnerable to outages whenever generation issues arise.
“Ang Samal isa lang ang power supplier… kung magka-problema ang ilahang planta so wala tay laing suplay nga kakuhaan mao na ang solusyon nga ikonekta nato sa mainland ang Samal pamaagi sa submarine cable,” Davao Light spokesperson Fermin Edillon said.
(“Samal only has one power supplier… if their plant encounters problems, there is no other source of supply, which is why the solution is to connect Samal to the mainland through a submarine cable”).
The project is expected to significantly reduce outages tied not only to generation constraints but also to aging infrastructure and vegetation-related disruptions. Edillon noted that upgrades and preventive maintenance works are ongoing, though improvements will not happen overnight.
“Dili siya overnight mahitabo… ang linya man gud sa kuryente kinahanglan nato i-upgrade,” he said (“This will not happen overnight… the power lines need to be upgraded”).
Franchise Expansion
The initiative has secured the necessary regulatory approvals, including a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Energy Regulatory Commission, as well as provisional authority to proceed with the cable installation.
The project follows the enactment of Republic Act No. 12144, which expanded Davao Light’s franchise to include Samal and other parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro. A court-issued writ of possession has also enabled the company to take over distribution assets on the island, solidifying its role as the sole power distributor.
Economic Implications
Local officials view the project as a turning point for Samal’s economic trajectory. Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib described the initiative as a signal of more reliable power services ahead, while Samal Mayor Lemuel Reyes emphasized its potential to attract investments.
“With the expected stability in the power network, we look to attract investors and generate more jobs for our people here in Samal,” Reyes said.
The island has long suffered estimated annual losses of ₱120 million to ₱150 million due to unreliable electricity, underscoring the economic urgency of the project.
Strengthening The Distribution Network
Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia said the company is prepared to support the island’s growing demand through expanded infrastructure.
“Our immediate priorities will be customer service support, network expansion, and substation upgrades that will help build a robust electric distribution system,” he said.
Beyond addressing power reliability, the interconnection is expected to support tourism growth and broader development initiatives in Samal, positioning the island for sustained economic expansion.
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