As of December 12, 2024, the Philippine News Agency reported the Surigao del Norte Provincial Board has declared a state of calamity in Siargao and Bucas Grande islands following prolonged power disruptions. The news article reports that since December 1, over 36,000 households and businesses have experienced sudden outages caused by a fault in the submarine cable linking the islands to the Mindanao mainland.
SIARELCO has pinpointed the cable fault and is working to repair it, but a timeline for full restoration remains uncertain. In the meantime, the cooperative has set up charging stations in several areas across Siargao, operating daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM to assist affected residents. The local government has also deployed generator sets to provide rotational power across critical areas.
According to Crisis24, residents must brace for disruptions in telecommunications, including mobile and internet services. Essential operations such as ATMs and fuel stations may face intermittent shutdowns. Moreover, blackouts can compromise security systems like electronic fences and alarm systems, potentially increasing risks of criminal activity.
The outages have compounded other challenges. A Rappler article reports that SIARELCO faces growing pressure to restore power quickly as the interruptions have affected water pumps, leading to water shortages and causing a sharp spike in fuel prices, with diesel and gasoline used as alternative energy sources. Local businesses, particularly those dependent on refrigeration and consistent electricity, are also bearing significant losses.
Tourism stakeholders, meanwhile, are urging immediate solutions to prevent further disruption to Siargao’s peak holiday tourism season. The region, known for its pristine beaches and surfing spots, heavily relies on visitors during this period. A prolonged energy crisis threatens not only livelihoods but also the island’s reputation as a top tourist destination, reports Inquirer.
Both the local government and SIARELCO have committed to addressing the situation with urgency, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
