The Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS), known for its beautiful beaches and lush landscapes, has had its fair share of challenges with power outages in recent months. But thanks to a positive shift in energy management, those days might soon be in the past. The Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) has launched a much-needed solution, deploying modular generator sets to finally resolve the island’s power woes.
Samal’s struggles with power supply started earlier this year when a submarine cable—critical for delivering electricity to the island—was damaged by a cargo ship’s anchor. What followed were months of rotational blackouts that left homes and businesses in the dark. In March, the City Council of IGACOS declared a state of calamity, highlighting just how severe the situation had become. Tourism, a key industry for the island, was especially affected, with local businesses and establishments struggling to maintain operations.
But the outlook changed when NORDECO rolled out modular generator sets to meet the island’s energy demands. With the island requiring about 9 megawatts of power daily, these generators have been instrumental in filling the gap. The modular generators now provide a reliable supply, supplementing electricity from the Mindoro Grid Corporation, which already powers a portion of Samal.
NORDECO’s decision to deploy modular generators wasn’t an overnight fix. In fact, it’s part of a broader initiative that started as early as 2016, when the cooperative first installed an 8-megawatt generator in Barangay Mambago-a, Peñaplata. As of June 5, the installation of additional generators finally brought an end to the months-long energy crisis, restoring a sense of normalcy for the 18, 000 households and businesses that rely on NORDECO for electricity.
The response to NORDECO’s efforts has been generally positive. While there were concerns from local groups like the Davao Consumer Movement (DCM), which pointed out delays in meeting promised deadlines, the cooperative’s long-term vision for improving the island’s power infrastructure is ambitious. Plans are already in motion for a 15-kilometer submarine cable project that would connect IGACOS to Pantukan, Davao de Oro. The P1.5-billion investment aims to create a more permanent solution by directly linking the island to the Mindanao power grid.
For many, the installation of these generators represents more than just a technical fix—it’s a step toward building a resilient and sustainable energy system for Samal. The island’s residents are hopeful that this will not only improve their day-to-day lives but also boost the tourism sector, ensuring that both locals and visitors can fully enjoy the island’s charm without worrying about power interruptions.
As Samal moves toward a brighter, more electrified future, it also sets an example for how innovative solutions can help communities thrive, even in the face of logistical and infrastructure challenges. The story of Samal’s power restoration is not just about fixing cables or rolling out generators—it’s about ensuring that growth and progress reach every corner of the island.
The coming years will reveal the full impact of these changes, but for now, Samal residents can look forward to uninterrupted days and peaceful, well-lit nights.