New distributor’s takeover raises hopes of investment revival, but residents and businesses are watching if service reliability will finally improve.
Photo courtesy: One DavNor Network
DAVAO CITY(February 27) — The entry of Davao Light and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC) as the new power distributor in Island Garden City of Samal has sparked fresh optimism among local officials — but also cautious expectations among residents and business operators who have endured years of unstable electricity.
The distribution system takeover followed a writ of possession issued by Branch 4 of the Regional Trial Court in Panabo City, placing the assets of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative under DLPC’s control.
The move comes on the back of Republic Act No. 12144, which expanded DLPC’s franchise to include portions of Davao del Norte and other neighboring areas.
Investment hopes ride on stable electricity
City officials have long blamed power instability for stalled economic projects on the island, including potential mall developments and a hospital investment that failed to push through.
Mayor Lemuel Reyes said the power problem had discouraged investors from starting businesses in Samal.
“This is what the Samaleños are waiting for,” Reyes said, calling the development a turning point that could reopen investment talks with interested firms.
Among the sectors expected to benefit most is tourism, the backbone of Samal’s economy, where resort operators have repeatedly raised concerns over outages that disrupted operations.
Vice Mayor Richard Guindulman said reliable electricity is critical to the island’s hospitality industry, noting that resorts form the core of local livelihood and revenue generation.
Expectations now shift to performance
While the takeover is being hailed as a breakthrough, the real test will be whether DLPC can translate legal control into tangible service improvements.
Residents and businesses remain wary after years of complaints about poor supply performance under the previous distributor.
Local stakeholders are now watching the early months of the transition for signs of steadier voltage supply, fewer interruptions, and faster response to service disruptions — outcomes that will determine whether the power shift becomes Samal’s economic catalyst or just another administrative change.
For Samal, the new era of power distribution carries heavy expectations: not just promises of investment revival, but proof that stable electricity can finally anchor the island’s long-awaited growth.
