MANILA — Ahead of the dry season where demand for electricity is expected to significantly rise, Dinagat Islands Rep. Alan Ecleo urged fellow lawmakers to support his “Bill Mandating The Construction And Installation Of A Submarine Electric Distribution Line From Mainland Mindanao To The Province Of Dinagat Islands.”
The Bill filed last December 2022 and now pending before the House Energy Committee is designed to respond to the issue of rotating blackouts and severe electric supply regulation due to issues between Napocor and Petron, which fuels the lone diesel power plant in Dinagat Islands.
“Rising from the economic impact of the pandemic and the devastation of natural disasters like Typhoon Odette requires a stable and reliable source of electricity for all Dinagatnons,” Rep. Ecleo said.
“Moreover, a secure and sustained supply of electricity is needed to power our vision for the Province of Dinagat Islands to become one of Mindanao’s prime agri-tourism hubs.”
According to Ecleo, the plan is for the Islands to connect the Province of Dinagat Islands in the same way that its neighboring Islands of Siargao, Bucas Grande, East Bucas, and Dapa are connected to the Mindanao Grid via submarine cables.
“The rotating Island-wide blackouts further add to the vulnerability to disaster and crises experienced by our People,” Rep. Ecleo explained.
“We hope that in time for the increased demand that comes with the summer season, our fellow Representatives heed the call of Dinagatnons for a more stable and reliable power supply.”
(J. Israel)
