Zubiri laments power outages in Siargao

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has called on the Department of Energy (DoE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to take immediate steps to solve the persistent power outages on the island of Siargao, noting that the disruptions are severely impacting the region’s tourism-driven economy.

“We know that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is already working with the local distributor to address the damaged cable behind this ongoing power failure, but I also want to urge the DoE and NEA to find a long term solution to the power problems on Siargao,” he said.

Zubiri, chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, said he has been receiving reports about the power outages in Siargao.

“I have been receiving so many calls from people in Siargao who have complained that the whole island has had no electricity for five days now,” he said.

He expressed deep concern as the island’s economy relies heavily on tourism.

Siargao, the country’s renowned surfing capital, attracted 529,822 tourists in 2023 — a significant increase from the 125,088 visitors in 2022.

“This is killing the tourism economy of the island, and effectively cutting residents off from making any income as the resorts, hotels, and restaurants they own or work in have to scale down or close down until the lights come back on,” Zubiri said.

“This is starting out as a bleak Christmas for the people of Siargao, especially in what should be the peak season for tourism,” he added.

Zubiri urged the DoE to ensure a dependable power supply on Siargao as he offered legislative support from the Senate.

“The DoE needs to make sure that Siargao has a reliable power supply, and we in the Senate are ready and eager to help them. But the solution has to come from them,” he said.