15/09/2025
A Call to Action for Boracayโs Energy Future
Now that the lights are back on, we must ask ourselves: what comes next? Will we wait for the next blackout, the next round of complaints, and the subsequent economic losses before we act? Or will we take this moment as a turning point โ a chance to demand lasting change?
First, we must demand accountability. Consumers and stakeholders should call for a formal investigation into the recent power crisis. Was there negligence in monitoring, maintenance, or crisis response? If so, those responsible must be penalized. When power failures shut down an island economy as vital as Boracay, that is no minor inconvenience โ it borders on economic sabotage.
Second, we must ask the hard questions about AKELCO. Is the cooperative still capable of upgrading and maintaining its distribution facilities to meet Boracayโs rapidly growing demand? Do they have the financial resources, technical expertise, and vision to deliver a robust, reliable, modern power system?
Third, we must be open to new solutions. Suppose the current utility can no longer keep pace with the needs of a world-class tourism destination. Are we willing to welcome a new distribution utility with the financial strength, technical capacity, and proven track record to guarantee near-zero unscheduled blackouts?
Boracay is more than just a beach. It is a national treasure, a major economic driver, and a symbol of what the Philippine tourism can offer the world. That means its energy security must be treated as a top priority.
This is a call for collaboration โ government, private sector, and community stakeholders must unite, put their minds and resources to work, and ensure this crisis becomes a catalyst for progress, not a recurring nightmare.
If we do nothing, we know what will happen next: more blackouts, more economic disruption, and a future in which this crisis becomes โthe new normal.โ
Boracay deserves better, at least, if not the best. Letโs not waste this chance to build a power system worthy of a world-class destination.
The time to act is now. Not tomorrow. Not after the next crisis. Now!
We Inform, You Decide.
Malay-Boracay Tourism Office Department of Energy PhilippinesTourism Secretary Christina Garcia FrascoBoracay Foundation, Inc.Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - BoracayJose Enrique "Joen" MirafloresAklan Electric Cooperative, Inc.