DAVAO CITY—Distribution utility Davao Light and Power Co. played big brother days before Christmas when it energized the submarine cable connecting Samal Island to mainland Davao, ensuring a more reliable supply of power to the popular tourist destination.
Island Garden City of Samal Mayor Al David Uy thanked Davao Light for allowing Samal Island to take advantage of the Davao Light substation in Pampanga district in Davao City as a jump-off point for the submarine cable into Samal.
He said the assistance of Davao Light was more significant considering that Samal Island was not covered by the Davao Light franchise area, but under the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative.
Davao Light executive vice president and chief operating officer Arturo Milan said the AboitizPower distribution utility was more than happy to be a good neighbor to Daneco.
“We are happy to support our neighboring communities and to help the people of Samal, our fellow Mindanaoans, so they could celebrate this joyful occasion with uninterrupted power supply,” Milan said.
“We, in AboitizPower, remain committed to integrate positive social development into our business operations. We are always ready to do our part to contribute in developing a better community for our people” Milan added.
He hopes the power connection will further propel the economy of the island, especially with the infrastructure efforts of the national government well under way. The Department of Public Works and Highways recently announced the allocation of around P1.19 billion for the feasibility study of the Davao-Samal bridge project that will connect the island to the mainland.
Samal used to be connected to the mainland until a wayward ship cut off the submarine cable in March 2016. More expensive modular power generating sets were rushed into the island to provide power for the numerous resorts, agribusiness, and commercial establishments in the area. The island has a population of over 100,000 people.