THE ISLAND Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) expects more investors to locate in the area once Davao Light and Power Company Inc. (DLPC) officially takes over its utility requirements, Mayor Lemuel Reyes said.
In a statement, Reyes said the power issues in the city under the franchise of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) hindered the development of the city.
“The main reason we couldn’t attract investors was the unstable power supply,” Reyes explained, noting this discouraged investors from bringing their business to the city.
Additionally, residents and resort owners become “increasingly frustrated” over frequent power outages, which have caused damage to their appliances.
To note, in April, House Bill 11072 lapsed into law, effectively expanding DLPC’s franchise area to include parts previously under Nordeco, after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. failed to not act on it within the 30-day period.
Reyes urged the DLPC officials to begin laying submarine cables and installing posts to kick-start their operations.
“Eventually, we’ll let the people decide which power provider they want,” Reyes stressed, noting Nordeco’s continued resistance despite the passage of the law.
“Nordeco has never met with me since I assumed office as mayor,” he added.
Reyes expressed support for Davao Light, revealing that the utility firm has committed to offering lower electricity rates once operations begin.
DLPC is scheduled to begin installation of its submarine cable connecting Davao City to IGaCoS in October.
Davao del Norte board member and former Samal mayor Al David Uy announced the development during the ceremonial installation of a 22MVA digital substation and warehouse facilities in Barangay Magugpo, Tagum City, on July 8.
