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Therma Marine named top real property taxpayer in Maco, Davao de Oro

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Maco, Davao de Oro – Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corporation, was recognized as the top real property taxpayer and second largest business taxpayer in Maco, Davao de Oro for 2025 during the 59th Araw ng Maco celebration last June.

Consistent top real property taxpayer. On behalf of TMI, Operations Manager Engr. Jerik R. Jorgensen (center left) and Reputation and Stakeholder Management Manager Chrisyl Garcia (center right) receive a plaque of recognition during the 59th Araw ng Maco celebration for the company being named the municipality’s “Top 1 Real Property Taxpayer” and “Top 2 Business Taxpayer”.

With an estimated P23 million real property tax contribution for the year, TMI Mobile 1 helps strengthen the municipality’s fiscal capacity to deliver essential services and pursue key infrastructure projects.

In addition, through corporate social responsibility initiatives, TMI Mobile 1 also supports Maco’s health services, Adopt-an-Estero rehabilitation efforts, disaster response capabilities, and vulnerable sector livelihoods, helping advance inclusive and sustainable development, especially in its host community of Barangay San Roque.

“TMI has been a valuable partner in Maco’s development. Their consistent contributions help us improve public services, strengthen community programs, and create more opportunities for our people. We are honored to recognize their commitment to the progress of our municipality,” said Maco Mayor Arthur Carlos Voltaire Rimando.

TMI was also recognized with the same awards last year for the preceding fiscal year.

Adopt-an-Estero Program. Community members, volunteer-employees of TMI Mobile 1, the local government of Maco, and other government agencies join forces to clean up an estero in Barangay San Juan, Maco, Davao de Oro during a clean-up drive.

“Just as we help provide stability to the power grid, we also strive to be a steady partner in powering progress in Maco,” said TMI Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance Engr. Benedicto Dejan Jr. “This recognition inspires us to continue creating meaningful impact through our contributions and supporting local development.”

Located in Barangay San Roque, Maco, Davao de Oro, the 100-megawatt TMI Mobile 1 plays a vital role in supporting the stability and reliability of the Mindanao power grid through the provision of ancillary services.

TMI Mobile 1 is also home to the first-ever barge-mounted hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Philippines. The BESS project was a strategic response to critical concerns about energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability.

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AboitizPower expands education support in Maco and Nasipit.

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TMI Brigada work mode on: (Left)Teachers and students of Mateo B. Abao Central Elementary School (MACES) in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, express their gratitude for the school supplies received from AboitizPower’s Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) during the culmination of the Aral Summer Program on June 2, 2026. (Right) TMI team members repair school facilities, including wiring and sinks, to provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for the students of Maco Central Heights Central Elementary School during the conduct of Brigada Eskwela.

For many students, a notebook, a pen, or a freshly prepared classroom may seem like simple things. But for young learners striving to build their future, these can make a meaningful difference in their confidence, motivation, and ability to learn.

Recognizing the important role that education plays in shaping stronger communities, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine Inc. (TMI) power barges, recently supported schools in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, and Maco, Davao de Oro.

In Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, TMI volunteers donated school supplies to young learners at Mateo B. Abao Central Elementary School (MACES) as part of the school’s Continuous Improvement (CI) Project, Children At Risk in Reading (CARR).

The initiative supports learners who need additional help developing their reading skills, providing essential learning tools to build confidence and strengthen literacy.

For Aira Rose Cabaron, MACES Aral Coordinator and Continuous Improvement Team Leader, the donation goes beyond just school supplies.

“We are deeply grateful for AboitizPower’s unwavering support. Their partnership in our Children At Risk in Reading (CARR) project is a testament to their commitment to our community, ensuring that our learners have the resources they need to thrive and succeed,” Cabaron said.

“It takes a community to raise a child. The spirit of bayanihan is woven into our culture, and supporting our host community is central to who we are,” said Engr. Jerome Luchavez, TMI Nasipit Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance.

Meanwhile, in  Maco, Davao de Oro, TMI volunteers joined Brigada Eskwela activities at Maco Heights Central Elementary School, helping prepare the campus for the school opening. Employee volunteers repainted facilities, repaired electrical wiring and sinks, and cleaned school grounds to help create a safer, more welcoming, and conducive learning environment for students and teachers. School Principal III Dr. Felvic B. Pernito expressed appreciation for the initiative and its positive impact on the school community.

“TMI’s generosity and commitment have helped create a more inspiring, safe, and learner-friendly environment as we prepare for School Year 2026–2027. The partnership reflects the true spirit of bayanihan, empowering our school community to provide better learning opportunities for every child,” said Dr. Pernito.

“We believe in the power of education as the foundation for growth, which is why we continue to empower our schools, generate a positive impact in our communities, and boost the learning experience for every child,” said Engr: Benedicto Dejan Jr., TMI Maco Senior Manager for Operations and Maintenance.

Beyond supporting schools through volunteerism and learning initiatives, TMI continues to invest in the long-term development of its host communities through scholarship programs that help young people pursue higher education. To date, TMI has helped to produce 13 college scholar graduates, helping open pathways to greater opportunities for local youth.

As TMI continues to provide ancillary services that help stabilize the Mindanao grid through its two 100 MW oil-fired power barges in Maco and Nasipit, it remains equally committed to helping energize communities by supporting the next generation of learners, leaders, and changemakers.

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LTO joins My Real Serbisyo Caravan, 427 residents benefit in Barangay Nueva Visayas

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MAWAB, Davao de Oro — A total of 427 residents availed themselves of various government services during the successful staging of the My Real Serbisyo Caravan in Barangay Nueva Visayas, with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) participating in the program.

The caravan, spearheaded by Mayor Myrill Apit, forms part of the Municipal Government of Mawab’s continuing effort to bring essential government services closer to communities. The activity also received support from Davao de Oro Governor Raul Mabanglo and Congressman Jhong Ceniza.

For the second time since the launch of the caravan, the LTO joined the lineup of participating agencies, providing license registration services to residents. A total of 60 individuals availed of LTO services during the event. There were also 60 individuals who availed themselves of the LTO services for the first time to join the caravan on May 21, 2026.

Mayor Apit said the growing number of partner agencies demonstrates the local government’s commitment to making public services more accessible to every Mawabeño.

“Our goal is to bring government services directly to our people, especially those living in far-flung barangays. We are grateful that more agencies continue to partner with us, including the LTO, so that residents can access multiple services in one place without having to travel long distances,” Apit said.

Health-related services drew a significant number of beneficiaries, with 53 residents receiving medical consultations, 48 availing of dental services, and one resident benefiting from physical therapy services.

Other services provided during the caravan included PhilHealth Yakap assistance (93 beneficiaries), ASENSO ID services (94), social welfare services (7), agricultural services (16), DENR services (6), civil registration services (17), BIR services (5), and free haircut services (30).

According to Mayor Apit, the positive turnout reflects the importance of bringing frontline government programs directly to the barangays.

“The success of the My Real Serbisyo Caravan shows that our people need accessible government services. We will continue expanding this program so that more residents can benefit from healthcare, social services, livelihood assistance, and other government programs,” she added.

The My Real Serbisyo Caravan is one of the flagship community outreach initiatives of the Municipal Government of Mawab, aimed at ensuring that residents have convenient access to vital services without leaving their communities.

Municipal officials said the caravan will continue visiting other barangays as part of the administration’s commitment to delivering responsive and people-centered governance. 

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3 Businesses, 1 Problem: Power Woes Test Resilience of Water, Meat, and Tailoring Shops in Nabunturan

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WHILE MOST people take a steady power supply for granted, Nabunturan is living a different reality. Small businesses are the most vulnerable, considering they absorb most of the damage and cost, with no respite in sight. 

So, when the lights go out without warning—and no apology—the clock starts ticking. Meat thaws. Water pumps fall silent. And for a small business that literally needs each centavo to sustain its operations, the power outages go beyond inconvenience. It’s a story of survival—one brownout at a time.

A graveyard of freezers

Jocel Melendres, a cashier at JLCJ Manukang Bayan, a local meat and grocery shop, described the unstable power supply as like playing tag with disaster, especially since they sell meat and poultry that are at risk of spoiling. 

A good reputation is crucial for a small business facing stiff competition. One viral post on social media about spoiled meat would destroy their business. “We rotate turning on our freezers to ensure that at least one or two have enough ice to sustain a prolonged brownout,” she said.

For instance, she shared that at the time of the interview, their area had just been hit by a four-hour brownout. Fortunately, they have already adopted a rotational system to preserve the meat and protect their reputation. 

However, their equipment is not insulated from the damaging impact of unstable power. 

Their equipment tells a darker story. Thirteen freezers require constant monitoring since voltage fluctuations attack without mercy. “We actually have a warehouse that has become a graveyard of broken freezers,” Jocel admits. “I think we have more than 15 freezers there.” 

Meanwhile, the electric cooperative charges them around P20,000 monthly—a price Jocel believes the service does not justify.

For his part, Jomari Albacite, a sales agent for a giant processed food distributor, recalled that about 15 kilos of bad meat were returned by a regular customer following an extended power outage.

“These are choice cuts of poultry, and we did not immediately notice that they were already spoiled when we sold them,” he said. “Thankfully, we did not lose their business as they understood what happened.”

No off-the-rack solutions

Meriam Logo, 63, a cashier at a local tailoring shop, said their employer has bought a generator to ensure all seven electric sewing machines are constantly humming even when the rest of the province goes silent. 

Describing herself as an all-around assistant, Meriam said they have no choice but to absorb the extra expenses because they couldn’t afford to miss the delivery order deadlines. The business decision is understandable, considering their shop is one of the few sanctioned by the Department of Education to supply uniforms for its teachers and students.

“We also sew the uniforms of the employees of the local government and other private businesses here,” she said. 

“As far as brownouts go, we are not affected because we can continue to work,” she said. “It’s just that our costs are adding up.” 

For instance, by her recollection, they spend an additional P5,000 to P6,000 in fuel cost to run their generator. That’s on top of the average P14,000 they pay to the power provider.   

Thirst must wait

Reyjon Roche, 21 years old, an employee at a water refueling station, said the business has been affected by the unstable power supply.

Unfortunately, their utility provider relies on electricity to distribute the supply to its clients. So, water is cut off during power outages. “When that happens, we just turn away clients while waiting for the electricity,” he shared. “But they understand our situation and simply come back later.”

By his estimate, they cater to 25-30 clients per hour. The water refueling station charges P30 per container for refills and P35 for delivery. 

He said that they hadn’t experienced any power interruptions in recent days. But he did recall a two-hour brownout a week before the interview. 

The company hasn’t employed Reyjon for long. However, in the one year that he has worked there, he has become more conscious about the number of outages they have experienced. When asked about the frequency, he answered, “I would say there’s not a month that passed by that we did not have at least two.”  

He said the company is a small business, so the owners couldn’t afford to purchase a generator for now. But with fuel prices skyrocketing, he didn’t think that investing in one would have helped much anyway, as it would only add to their expenses.

What unites them is not just the inconvenience of brownouts, but the invisible math of survival. After all, how many spoilages, how much extra fuel, and how many more lost sales can a small business absorb before it breaks? 

Three businesses. One problem. The grim reality is this: they are held hostage to the unstable power supply in the province.  And no solution on the horizon. 

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Blades, Curls, and Cuts: Enduring the unstable power supply in Mawab

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FROM BARBERSHOPS, beauty salons, to neighborhood meat shops, unpredictable electricity supply has become the daily reality for businesses and residents in Mawab town, where unannounced power interruptions and voltage fluctuations are taking a steady toll on livelihoods and daily routines.

When asked about his experience of the unstable power supply in Mawab, Erwin A. Lastra, a 33-year-old barber in downtown Mawab town, had to stop for a second. Brownouts have become such a part of their daily lives that he had to digest the question.

“But now that I think about it, we had one just last week without any prior notice and it lasted about two hours,” he said. “Unlike with the scheduled interruption that they announce on Facebook, we really have no idea when the electricity will go out.”

Fortunately, their single AC has not broken down from fluctuating power or a voltage drop. Not yet, anyway. But he thinks it’s just a matter of time. His personal experience in their own house said so.

“Where I live, in our barangay just 15 minutes from here by motorcycle, we’ve had day-long brownouts. We had to throw the chicken meat from our fridge because it got spoiled since everyone was out to work,” he said.

The barbershop is just surviving, where 20 clients from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at P100 each cut is considered a good day. “The reason we have an AC here is to make our customers more comfortable. So, during brownouts, I can endure the heat and sweat while I cut their hair. Some customers are not as willing,” he said.

As a result, some customers hesitate when they are greeted with warm air when they slide the glass door. They promised to come back but never did.

He earns through commissions for every hair he cuts, so his take-home pay is severely affected by power interruptions. But Erwin just shrugs his shoulders, as if resigned to their reality that they live in.

Just in time, a customer walks in cutting off the interview. Erwin wrapped a cloth around the man’s shoulders and gave the sharp scissors a quick snip. It’s 9:30 in the morning, the first customer of the day. Hopefully, the power will hold out this time and he can go home with a fatter wallet. 

Normalizing an abnormal situation

Felipa Rasona, 33, a beautician at a local beauty salon, said that they have learned to normalize what should have been a peculiar situation. For instance, to deal with the high electricity rates, they adopted a “three-customer rule.”

“That means we will only turn on our AC when there are three customers,” he shared. “If not, we just turn on the electric fan.”

Their door is also almost always open to allow some breeze in. Except, of course, when there are three customers.

As a result, they managed to maintain their monthly electricity bills with the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative to P2,000, give or take. “Our problem is not really our electricity bill. It’s that they (electric cooperative) changed their policy regarding disconnection,” he said.

Just in December 2025, they had a run-in with the electricity provider.  Chalk it up to miscommunication or the fog of a Christmas vacation but fail to receive their electricity bill for one month. 

The next time they received the bill, it was a red notice. “They did not even give us a few minutes to their office to settle the account. They immediately cut off our electricity after giving us the disconnection notice,” he explained.

He said customers used to be given a three-month leeway before receiving the disconnection notice. Now, they only get two months. “It’s their policy, of course. But we don’t like that they changed it,” he added.“

Due date”

In the four years that Marcel L. Domingo, 36, manager of Rean Meat Shop, has worked for the store, she eventually noticed a pattern.

“Whenever the due date comes, our electricity always fluctuates. There’s like two to three power outages in a day,” she said. “I don’t know how to explain it or the reason why, but that always happens.” 

While she looked bemused, it’s only because she couldn’t explain it. However, fluctuating power is a serious matter, considering that they have expensive freezers to run and frozen meat that are at risk of spoiling.

Just in the first week of May, two of their freezers were no longer functioning optimally. “We had to call in technicians for repair since the freezers failed to cool the meat,” she said. “For labor alone, we paid about P4,500 each, not including the parts.”

The shop also managed to find a workaround to the extended power outages—which are unfortunately  scheduled during weekends when the traffic foot is high—by running their freezers at full blast overnight. So, when that happens, they can preserve the meat for one full day before the cold dissipates.

“We heard that Davao Light is coming to Mawab. I don’t know much about their service, but I heard some good things like they are cheaper or more stable,” she said. “We definitely welcome it, but only because it gives the people options. Whether they stay with Nordeco or transfer to Davao Light, at least they have a choice.”

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Cong. Maricar Zamora Takes Oath as AWLFI Treasurer, Reinforces Women Empowerment

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As the nation celebrates Women’s Month, Congresswoman Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo, formally took her oath as Treasurer of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI).

The oath-taking was administered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during a ceremony held at Malacañang on March 17, 2026.

In her message, Cong. Maricar stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of women and sustaining efforts that open more doors for their participation and empowerment.

“Subay sa pag selebrar nato sa International Women’s Month, dako gyud atong suporta sa tingog ug representasyon sa atong sektor. Padayon atong paningkamot nga mapalapdan ang oportunidad ug programa para sa mga kababayen-an aron lig-on sab ang mapanday nato nga komunidad,” she said.

The Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc. (AWLFI), composed of female members of the House of Representatives, continues to champion gender-responsive legislation and policies that promote the welfare of women, families, and communities.

With leaders like Cong. Maricar taking on greater responsibilities, her appointment further reinforces the growing influence of women in leadership and governance, while highlighting the trust reposed in her to help advance the welfare and empowerment of women in Davao de Oro and beyond.

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𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐈𝐌𝐏-𝐄𝐀𝐆𝐀

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Leaders from the provinces of Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental convened on March 4 at the Provincial Capitol in Nabunturan, along with representatives from national government agencies and local investors, for the Bulawan Festival 2026 Investment and Tourism Forum in a bid to advance a unified strategy positioning the three provinces as a single gateway corridor linking eastern and southern Mindanao to regional markets.

Governor Raul “RM” Mabanglo opened the forum by emphasizing the importance of coordinated regional development, saying stronger interprovincial collaboration would help unlock investment opportunities and accelerate economic growth across the provinces.

“Sa akong kapwa lideres sa silingan nga mga probinsya: ato kining himuong institusyonal nga gateway corridor. I-align nato ang atong development strategies… Kita dili lang tulo ka probinsya. Usa kita ka rehiyon nga adunay usa ka direksyon.”

Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora-Mabanglo and Congressman Leonel Ceniza also graced the forum and expressed their support for the initiative, underscoring the role of legislative backing in advancing connectivity programs that would benefit the region.

The discussions centered on the Gateway Connectivity Program, an initiative designed to integrate air, land, and sea infrastructure across the three provinces to strengthen trade routes, tourism circuits, and access to the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA).

Officials from the Mindanao Development Authority, led by Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro and Director Joan Barrera, presented the broader regional framework of the program, highlighting how integrated connectivity could unlock investment opportunities and strengthen the competitiveness of eastern and southern Mindanao.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region XI and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region XI also expressed support for the initiative, with DTI Regional Director Romeo L. Castañaga presenting the role of cacao and coffee value chains in supporting airport cargo development, while DOT Assistant Regional Director Judy Colaljo underscored the potential for expanded tourism circuits across the corridor.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Boy Dayanghirang, Mati City Mayor Joel Mayo Almario, and Davao Occidental Board Member Bianca Ricci Bautista-Navarra likewise voiced their backing for the initiative, describing the corridor as a strategic platform for strengthening interprovincial collaboration, accelerating investment flows, and creating seamless travel and logistics networks across the region.

The forum concluded with a ceremonial signing of a Pledge of Commitment among key leaders and stakeholders, formally signaling their collective support for the Gateway Connectivity Program and its vision of “Three Provinces, One Gateway Corridor, Total Gateway to BIMP-EAGA.”

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Gov. Mabanglo’s First Governor’s Report Highlights Disaster Resilience, kaLAMBOan In DDO

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Despite recent flooding and shear line-related impacts that affected several communities, the Provincial Government continues to deliver essential services while advancing development initiatives, Governor Raul Mabanglo said during his Governor’s Report on March 2 at the Bulawan Events Center in Nabunturan.

Relief operations remain underway in affected barangays, with assistance already extended to families displaced by floods and other hazards. In the past eight months, the province has responded to a series of challenges, including landslides and severe weather disturbances, while maintaining uninterrupted delivery of public services.

Beyond disaster response and recovery efforts, Mabanglo highlighted gains in several key sectors.

Healthcare services were expanded through the establishment of a BUCAS Center in partnership with the Davao Regional Medical Center, improvements in all four provincial hospitals, and the rollout of the Kalamboan Serbisyo Caravan, which brought medical assistance closer to communities.

Social services were strengthened through the establishment of 11 Maduolan Centers across the province and expanded crisis support programs that have assisted thousands of residents.

Infrastructure development also continued, with improvements in road networks and public facilities aimed at ensuring access to services even during emergencies.

Support to the agriculture sector was intensified through the provision of farm inputs and the implementation of a rice processing system designed to improve food security and increase farmers’ income.

Expanded scholarship programs and investments in sports development also supported education and youth engagement across the province.

Mabanglo also cited ongoing collaboration with neighboring provinces, particularly Davao Oriental, and the private sector as key to opening opportunities in tourism, business, and employment.

As the Bulawan Festival celebrates the province’s heritage and identity, Mabanglo emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between government and communities to ensure continued progress despite recurring challenges.

He underscored that the strength behind the province’s resilience lies in its people, whom he described as the true “Bulawan” of Davao de Oro.

“Sa atong lig-on nga kolaborasyon, usa lang ang klaro nga mensahe. Ako, kamo, kitang tanan instrumento sa pagkab-ot sa kalamboan sa Davao de Oro. Kamo ang tinuod nga bulawan,” he said.

Governor Raul Mabanglo ended his report by expressing gratitude to Cong. Maricar Zamora-Mabanglo, Cong. Leonel “Jhong” Ceniza, and all his partners in public service, whom he cited as key allies in advancing the province through continued collaboration and shared responsibility essential to sustaining progress and overcoming future challenges in Davao de Oro.

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DDO MoTour Ride kicks off Bulawan Festival 2026

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More than 400 bikers rode across the 11 municipalities of Davao de Oro on February 28, 2026, for the DDO MoTour Ride 2026, a non-competitive endurance tourism event held as a prelude to this year’s Bulawan Festival.

The activity formally opened on February 27 in Pantukan, and was graced by Governor Raul Mabanglo, Senator JV Ejercito Estrada and celebrity motovlogger Jet Lee, expressing support for motorcycle tourism initiatives in the country.

The tour ride began in Pantukan before dawn, with participants traveling through designated checkpoints and tourism stops.

Among the sites visited were Lake Leonard Kniašeff, Maco; Tagbibinta Waterfalls, Maragusan; Magdalaga Mountain Range; “Scarecrows of Compostela” Rice Paddies, Compostela; Magdagandang Waterfalls, Monkayo; Laak’s Fairy Tale Castle, and other sites.

The tour ride concluded at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Nabunturan, in time for the Bikers’ Night and Closing Ceremony to recognize finishers who completed all required stops. Governor Mabanglo expressed his appreciation to all the riders who made the event successful; “Kamo ang nagdala og kabibo sa unang adlaw sa Bulawan Festival… daghan kaayong salamat sa inyong tanan!”

Two brand-new motorcycles were also sponsored by Starlee Marketing as prizes for the Grand Raffle Draw during the Closing Ceremony, adding to the excitement of the event.

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The silent struggles of Maco’s laundry industry

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IN THE municipality of Maco, Davao de Oro, the steady hum of the washing machines is more than just background music. Without everyone realizing, they have become the residents’ bulletin board. Like clockwork, their sudden silence announces another lingering power outage.

For the owners and employees of Maco’s laundry industry, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) has become a pain point: visible only when it comes to collecting the hefty bills, and invisible when the machines need to spin.

Jay-ar’s hustle and struggle

At 21 years old, Jay-ar L. Oro is just starting his life with his 20-year-old wife. While he hasn’t had his degree yet, he has a masterclass in the art of hustling. 

By day, he and his wife are the caretakers of the laundry business. By night, he sets up plastic tables and chairs in front of their store to sell balut. Unlike employees who have the luxury of a monthly paycheck, the couple’s income is strictly tied to how much the businesses earn. 

If the machines don’t spin and the balut eggs are not sold, they don’t eat.

“We have eight machines and conservatively earn between P500 and 1,000 an hour,” he narrated. “I heard they will have another brownout this weekend for another 12 hours. So, I will just focus on selling the balut.

Typically, he sets up his makeshift stall at dusk. So, he relies on the light to attract passersby like a moth to a flame. He sells about 2,000 fertilized duck eggs at P18.00 apiece for the day. That income is cut in half if there’s a power outage. 

“If the brownout extends, we have no income. On average, we have two lengthy brownouts each month. So, we have to check Nordeco’s Facebook page frequently because they don’t tell us,” he said. 

They’ve learned to live with the lingering power disruptions and counted their blessings when these power cuts are announced. It’s the lack of notice that’s the problem.  

“In a week, we have two to three brownouts. Although they last only minutes, we are worried that the electrical fluctuation will damage our machines,” he said. 

There’s also the fact that when electricity dies mid-laundry, the clock restarts. Each washing and drying takes about 40 minutes. If power returns after 10 minutes, for example, the timer begins again at minute 1. “So, what happens is instead of nearly finishing and loading another batch, we have to wait another 40 minutes,” he explained. 

“I don’t have a fixed wage. My pay depends on how many loads we finish. If Nordeco cuts the power for twelve hours, that’s twelve hours of me sitting here for nothing,” he added.

The Mathematical Loss: Rhea’s Vanishing Profits

When 33-year-old Rhea James heard about the 12-hour brownout scheduled for the weekend, she could only sigh in frustration. 

“Yeah, I heard about it. Why do they schedule the long brownouts on a weekend when that’s usually when people bring their laundry to us because of no work?” she shared. 

She manages a laundry shop owned by her sister. In exchange, she receives a portion of the daily profits. 

On a good day, the shop is a whirlwind of humming and scent. On a day with no electricity, it is a graveyard of damp fabric.

For Rhea, the grievance against their power supplier isn’t just about the frequency of the outages, but the utter lack of communication.

“There is no notice,” Rhea said. “We sit there, and the machines just stop, and we don’t know for how long. On weekends, we have to turn away long-time customers or tell them to leave their clothes and hope the lights come back on. It’s embarrassing, and it’s bad for business.”

Rhea estimates that the shop generates at least ₱500 per hour when operating at full capacity. Every week, she said, they always experience a power disruption, with the shortest estimate lasting about three hours. Sometimes, when there’s no power, the tap water also shuts off.

“Do the math,” she said. “We’ve had outages that last ten hours. That’s ₱4,000 to ₱5,000 in lost income in a single day. For a small business in Maco, that’s the difference between growing and just barely hanging on.” 

She paused before adding, “Nordeco’s rates stay high, but the service is at an all-time low.”

Nerife’s nervous watch

“They just expect us to just smile and take it,” said 49-year-old laundy shop caretaker Nerife Cenas, talking about the persistent brownouts. “And they’re right. What can we do? We are not going anywhere. We are at their mercy.”

Just like the other laundry businesses in the town, the unannounced and extended power outages have gravely affected their shop’s income.

Having navigated the brownouts through various shifts, she describes the current state of Nordeco’s service as a “constant anxiety.”

“You never know when they will cut the electricity off. It could be minutes or hours. Sometimes, power returns after five minutes, then it dies again,” she said. “We have to wait a little longer before turning on the power breaker to prevent our machines from damage.” 

She narrated that two Sundays back, they were never notified about a browout that lasted five hours. They had to turn away customers by the third hour because they didn’t know when power would return. 

The laundry shop earns about P960 per hour if all machines are running, so a five-hour disruption is a huge loss.  

Luckily, so far, not a single commercial washer—costing upwards of P100,000 each—has broken down due to the fluctuating electricity, but each laundry shop owner is playing a high-stakes game of chance every time power flickers. 

“We heard that Davao Light is coming. If there’s another supplier that can provide us with better service and peace of mind, then we just want that choice,” Cenas said.

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