Residents and tourists in Malapascua Island will soon experience relief from the inconvenience of power interruptions as the generators sets rented by the Provincial Government from a private firm are expected to arrive in the island this very night.
The generator sets, owned by Dynamic Power, will be able to supply the island’s peak electricity demand of 2 megawatts — something which has been unmet since the Holy Week due to unreliability of power supply in the island.
This was revealed during a meeting at the Capitol today, May 21, attended by Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, Department of Energy-Visayas Field Office inspector lawyer Barrytone Busi, National Power Corporation (NPC) Engr. Carmenita Nicanor, Malapascua Business Association president Ana Reed, Logon Brgy. Captain Danilo Baquir, Cebeco II general manager Lowell Belciña, and Dynamic Power officials led by Marylou Ngo-Ang
In addition to the generator sets, transformers from the NPC will also be transported to the island.
The logistics involve a barge vessel, which is scheduled to depart from Mactan Wharf later today and is expected to arrive at Malapascua tonight.
The operation involves six trucks that will carry the crucial equipment, including the generator sets and transformers, to enhance the island’s electrification.
Marina 7 Regional Director Annabell Lagas, who attended the meeting, assured that all necessary permits for the vessel’s journey have been secured.
This intervention follows an agreement between the Capitol and Power Source Philippines Inc. (PSPI), the island’s sole power distributor. PSPI has struggled to provide stable power due to its own generator sets requiring repairs. The cooperative effort marks a significant step towards stabilizing Malapascua’s electricity situation.
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. With the ongoing brownouts in the island, the governor said tourists are cutting short their stay because it is very inconvenient.
Gov. Gwen is expected to visit Malapascua to assess the progress and impact of the electrification efforts. | CL