A proposal to expand the operations of the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Co. (Davao Light) in brownout-plagued areas north of the Davao region has continued to generate support.
House Bill 6740, filed by Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles, seeks to reduce the coverage of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative franchise to allow Davao Light to serve the electricity needs of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro and Talaingod, and in Tagum City and Island Garden City of Samal, all in Davao del Norte, as well as in Maco, Davao de Oro.
Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos co-authored the bill.
The Davao Consumer Movement backed HB 6740 amid consistent power outages and excessive rates.
“Davao del Norte is one of the major economic centers in the region. However, while Panabo City enjoys a stable power supply and quality power service, Tagum City and the Island Garden City of Samal are suffering with high power rates and poor power service in general,” said Ryan Amper, DCM convenor.
“The operations of new routes would certainly open new opportunities for Dabawenyos. We can expect more investments and tourists to come and see the beauty and opportunities in Davao.”
The Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier said the measure, once passed into law, would bring about drastic improvement in the power service in Davao.
Nograles said her proposed measure clearly laid down the overarching need to uphold the common good and protect the best interest of the people by ensuring improved energy access for more communities and fostering economic growth.
HB 6740 includes a transition clause and a carve-out clause that will ensure that the areas left behind under Nordeco’s jurisdiction will not result in higher power prices.