Senator Bong Go has called on the management of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative to swiftly address the power outages in Samal Island, citing the need to alleviate the living condition on the island whose residents are also consumer-members of the electric cooperative.

In an ambush interview after aiding struggling residents in Maco, Davao de Oro on Thursday, 25 May, the senator, pointed out “Kapag walang kuryente, apektado po ang lahat. Pati tubig apektado, ang mobility ng tao, lahat iniinom natin, apektado. Transportation, apektado. Komunikasyon, apektado, at lahat po.”

“Apektado ang turismo, marami pong mawawalan ng trabaho. Apektado ang mga residente doon dahil yung pamumuhay nila na komportable ay mawawala dahil sa brownout,” added Go.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy held recently where Go is also a member, Jolly Ann C. Kuan, corporate planning manager of NORDECO said “For the long-run solution, Your Honor, Honorable Senator, the energization of this submarine cable being identified to be this June 30, on or before June 30, 2023, on the following month. We are closely monitoring the accomplishments of the contractor of this project.”

Go vowed to keep a close eye on this development, hoping that the targeted energization takes place on time.

As someone who considers Samal his second home, the senator said he understands the hardships that the residents and businesses face due to frequent power outages.

The senator emphasized that the residents’ quality of life would be greatly improved once the power supply is reliable and uninterrupted.

As per the latest report from the National Electrification Administration, the prolonged power outages experienced in Samal Island are a direct result of an unmet power demand of nine megawatts.

Presently, the power supply available in Samal stands at a mere 6.1 megawatts following the malfunction of three generator sets. It is worth noting that two of these malfunctioning sets belong to NORDECO.

The local government unit has already procured additional generator sets, each with a capacity of 2 megawatts, and turned them over to NORDECO. These new units are scheduled to be delivered and become operational by the end of this week.

“Kaya nakikiusap po ako sa NORDECO na bilisan nyo po, bilisan nyo po maging operational po itong inyong ipinangako… Nagbabayad naman po ang ating mga kababayan. Willing naman po silang magbayad,” he said.

To end, Go reiterated that he will closely monitor NORDECO’s progress in the coming days and months, stressing that the electrification of Samal Island remains a priority for him.

“Nakikiusap po ako at susubaybayan po natin ito sa mga susunod na araw, sa mga susunod na buwan, dito sa kanilang pangako na maging operational na po ang kuryente sa Samal,” he concluded.