A large majority of residents in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are in favor of Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) expanding its services into areas currently covered by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco). The sentiment reflects long-standing concerns over the quality and cost of electricity in these provinces.
According to a recent Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) survey, nearly 98% of respondents in Davao del Norte, including those already under Davao Light’s network, backed the proposed takeover. In Davao de Oro, support also ran high, with about 80% expressing approval for the utility’s entry.
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Fast-tracking the transition
Residents and businesses in Tagum City, the Island Garden City of Samal, and parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro are preparing for a shift in power service following the enactment of Republic Act 12144.
The measure, which expands Davao Light’s franchise area, lapsed into law on April 6, 2025, after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. neither signed nor vetoed the bill previously approved by Congress.
Among the areas set to transfer to Davao Light’s coverage are several municipalities across Davao del Norte—including Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod—as well as a number of towns in Davao de Oro, such as Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan.
DCM welcomed the development, expressing hope that more reliable and affordable electricity would boost local businesses and enhance daily life in covered areas. While noting the transition may take time, the group called on Nordeco to work closely with Davao Light to ensure consumer interests remain the priority.
Now, after conducting its latest survey, DCM said the results reflect a clear demand for reform. “The people have spoken. They want a change in the power service of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro,” Ryan Amper, DCM Convenor, stated. “It also shows that political leaders who supported this move have the backing of the public, contrary to claims by Nordeco.”
DCM urged Nordeco to recognize the will of its member-consumer-owners and work with Davao Light in beginning a smooth and timely transition, putting the needs of the public first.
Meanwhile, Davao Light reaffirmed its commitment to provide consistent and cost-efficient power as it prepares to serve the newly added areas. Fermin Edillon, who leads the company’s reputation enhancement division, said they are ready to extend the same level of service to incoming communities.
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Davao Consumer Movement: Survey results
DCM said respondents in Davao del Norte pointed to Davao Light’s lower electricity costs, dependable energy supply, and improved customer support as key advantages over Nordeco.
In Davao de Oro, survey respondents highlighted Davao Light’s lower electricity rates as the top benefit, with better customer service and reliable power supply also ranking highly.
“This survey is crucial, especially with attempts to spread misinformation that dismiss the concerns and demands of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro residents,” Amper highlighted.
The survey also revealed strong support for the transition in Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal, key economic hubs in Davao del Norte. Nearly 98% of respondents in Tagum and 99% in Samal backed the move from Nordeco to Davao Light, with the latter’s vital tourism sector particularly affected by previous power service issues.
About 92% of respondents in Nabunturan, the capital of Davao de Oro, voiced support for shifting power services from Nordeco to Davao Light.
According to Amper, the data highlights how local leaders listened to their constituents’ concerns and acted by presenting them to Congress and the Senate. These efforts contributed to the creation of House Bill 11072 and Senate Bill 2888, which eventually became law as Republic Act 12144.
The survey, conducted from April 20 to 26, collected responses from 1,500 residents each in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro using stratified random sampling. This method, which divides the population into demographic groups and selects participants proportionally, ensures balanced representation and accurate insight into public opinion.
By giving every eligible voter an equal chance to participate, the survey aimed to reliably gauge awareness and preferences across both provinces.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247719
