Gov. Gwen Garcia has decided to no longer wait and see but instead take the matter into her own hands to address the ongoing power interruption problem in Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town northern Cebu.
The Cebu Provincial Government shall rent generator sets from private firm Dynamic Power to boost the island’s electricity supply and address its peak demand of 2 megawatts after the island has been subjected to months of unreliable power supply.
On Thursday, May 16, Gov. Gwen met with Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura as well as representatives from Department of Energy-Visayas where the Capitol intervention was discussed.
The Capitol is slated to sign an agreement with Power Source Philippines Inc. (PSPI), the sole power distributor on Malapascua, to formalize the intervention.
Gov. Gwen said she is invoking the “general welfare clause” of the Local Government Code in implementing measures to ensure a continued power supply for residents and tourists of the island.
In the coming days, Dynamic Power and PSPI will collaborate to set up the generator sets in their facility in Daanbantayan. PSPI has been unable to deliver a stable power supply to Malapascua because of their own generator sets also needed repairs.
Aside from the island’s white sand beaches, Malapascua is also a leading dive destination as it offers a unique experience of swimming with harmless thresher sharks.
Anna Reed, president of the Malapascua Business Association, expressed optimism about Gov. Gwen’s involvement. She highlighted Malapascua’s importance as a tourism destination in the north and thanked the governor for her swift action.
She said the governor “has moved heaven and earth” to implement an immediate solution to the problem.
Gov. Gwen also informed Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla of the plan, who has allowed it to proceed as scheduled.
With the intervention of the Provincial Government, Malapascua’s power issues are expected to be resolved, ensuring a stable and reliable electricity supply for both residents and businesses on the island.
Gov. Gwen is scheduled to meet again with the stakeholders next week to update on the progress of the plan.
Also present during the meeting were representatives of Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO) II, PSPI, Dynamic Power, National Power Corp., and National Electrification Administration. | CL