Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) is nearing the completion of the second phase of its underground cabling project along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue in Davao City, with only minimal work remaining, according to company spokesperson Fermin Edillon. Speaking during the Davao Peace and Security Press Conference on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, Edillon expressed optimism that the project would be inaugurated soon.
Project Status and Coverage
The second phase covers the stretch from Suazo Street to Ramon Magsaysay Park. Edillon noted that overhead lines in the area have already been removed, though some cleanup operations are still ongoing. The project is approximately 90% complete, with only a few lines left to remove. However, traffic-related challenges continue to affect implementation.
Edillon acknowledged delays caused by unforeseen circumstances, including equipment shipment issues stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. Despite these setbacks, testing has already been conducted, and most establishments in the area are now being supplied through underground cables.
First Phase Completed
The first phase of the project, covering the stretch from the Davao Post Office to the Suazo area, has already been completed. Edillon emphasized that no wires remain in that section.
Future Expansion Plans
When asked about areas next in line for underground cabling, Edillon said discussions with the City Government are ongoing, though several areas have already been identified, including Ponciano Reyes Street and Elpidio Quirino Avenue. He clarified that the initiative is primarily a project of the City Government of Davao, which began two years ago, with Davao Light among the agencies tasked with undergrounding overhead lines.
Service Expansion in Davao del Norte
Edillon also announced that Davao Light has expanded its services in several areas of Davao del Norte following a court order. The Regional Trial Court Branch 2 of Tagum City issued a Supplemental Writ of Possession on May 15, 2026, allowing the company to serve Tagum City and the municipalities of Kapalong, New Corella, and Talaingod under Republic Act No. 12144. The order affirmed Davao Light’s authority to expropriate the distribution system previously operated by Northern Davao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Nordeco).
Effective May 26, 2026, Davao Light has taken over full operation and maintenance, billing and collection, and other customer services in these areas. Edillon stated that consumers will receive new bills from Davao Light starting next month.
Potential Brownouts
Edillon cautioned that consumers may still experience occasional brownouts due to aging infrastructure inherited from Nordeco. He noted that lines and substations need upgrades, as they are outdated and thin. To minimize interruptions, Davao Light has begun vegetation management and construction of an additional power line from Maco to Tagum to address overloading issues.
