05/08/2025
𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝘀 𝗗𝗟𝗣𝗖 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿
Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) Mayor Lemuel Reyes is optimistic that more investors will come once Davao Light and Power Company Inc. (DLPC) officially takes over its expanded franchise area, which now includes their city.
In a recent interview, Reyes said development in the city has long been hindered by persistent power issues on the island.
For many years, IGACOS was under the franchise of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco).
In April this year, House Bill 11072 lapsed into law, effectively expanding DLPC’s franchise area to include parts previously under Nordeco. The bill took effect after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. did not act on it within the 30-day period prescribed by the Constitution.
“The main reason we couldn’t attract investors was the unstable power supply,” Reyes explained, adding that many were discouraged by the situation.
He shared that residents and resort owners have grown increasingly frustrated over frequent brownouts, which have caused damage to their appliances.
Reyes recently met with DLPC officials and urged them 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,” he said, referring to Nordeco’s continued refusal to relinquish its franchise despite the law’s approval.
Reyes revealed that DLPC has committed to offering lower electricity rates once operations begin.
“Nordeco has never met with me since I assumed office as mayor,” Reyes added.
He also expressed his full support for DLPC, saying their vision for the city is finally coming true.
Meanwhile, DLPC is scheduled to begin installation of its submarine cable connecting Davao City to IGACOS in October.
The announcement was made by Davao del Norte Board Member and former IGACOS Mayor Al David Uy during the ceremonial installation of a 22MVA digital substation and warehouse facilities in Barangay Magugpo, Tagum City on July 8.