Residents and businesses on Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan Cebu, have voiced ongoing concerns about the unreliable power supply. They have approached Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to address the situation. During a meeting on June 19, the residents and members of the Malapascua Business Association (MBA) expressed their intention to consider terminating the power service arrangement with PowerSource Philippines Inc. (PSPI) due to its inability to provide a stable power supply in the area, which is a popular tourist destination in Cebu.
Efforts to Address Unreliable Power Supply
According to reports from Sugbo News, the provincial government’s official Facebook page, the local government unit (LGU) of Daanbantayan and MBA have urged Governor Garcia to take appropriate action against PSPI, including discontinuing its services.
Anna Reed, president of MBA, highlighted the issues with PSPI since 2019, citing frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations that have significantly impacted the lives and livelihoods of the residents. Governor Garcia also expressed dissatisfaction with PSPI’s performance, stating that the company’s services do not align with the province’s standards.
Governor Garcia recently oversaw the installation of four generator sets on the island to supplement the electricity supply. She emphasized the need for government intervention after PSPI failed to address residents’ complaints.
Disappointment with PSPI from Other Key Stakeholders
During the recent meeting, CEBECO II, represented by General Manager Lowell Belcina, and National Power Corp., represented by Visayas head Timoteo Diacor, conveyed their disappointment with PSPI. They informed the governor that they have raised their concerns with their management and are awaiting a final decision.
Other attendees at the meeting included Department of Energy Visayas Field Office Inspector lawyer Barrytone Busi, National Electrification Administration Engineering Department Director Federico Villar, and Daanbantayan Municipal Administrator Mamerto Rodrigo.
Role of Electricity Providers
PSPI has been the electricity provider for Malapascua since 2009, while CEBECO II holds the exclusive franchise for the island and other towns in the fourth and fifth districts of Cebu.
CEBECO II decided to forgo providing service in Malapascua in favor of PSPI since the island is considered remote and unviable.
The parties are scheduled to meet again on July 3, 2024, to present their official positions.
Source: Guv urged to act on power supply problem at Malapascua