In a special press conference held on February 25, 2026, in Samal, Davao del Norte First District Board Member Al David Uy issued a urgent call for immediate action to resolve the long-standing electricity crisis plaguing Talikud Island. He emphasized that Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) must prioritize delivering reliable service to the area following its formal takeover of the power distribution system in the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).
Daily Brownouts Hampering Tourism
Uy highlighted that Talikud Island, celebrated for its pristine coastline and vibrant beach tourism, continues to suffer from daily brownouts lasting between five to ten hours. He stressed that this issue has persisted for years and requires urgent attention to prevent further neglect. "Talikud Island is suffering 5 to 10 hours everyday. This started a long time ago. So hopefully, you will also look into what kind of attention you can give to Samal. Please don’t just neglect it," Uy stated during the conference.
A Decade-Long Struggle with Power Instability
Residents and business owners report that the power instability on Talikud is not a new problem but has been ongoing for over a decade under the previous distributor, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco). Historical complaints and media accounts indicate that service reliability issues in Samal and nearby areas have stretched back several decades.
- Consumers have repeatedly raised concerns about frequent and prolonged outages coupled with relatively high electricity rates.
- Infrastructure limitations, including an aging submarine cable installed in the 1980s connecting Samal to the mainland grid, have been cited as contributing factors.
- Critics argue that the lack of major upgrades over the years has led to recurring supply disruptions, especially during peak tourism seasons.
Local tourism operators, such as the popular Isla Reta Beach Resort, have been forced to rely heavily on costly generator sets, driving up operational expenses and negatively impacting visitor experiences. Households face disrupted daily routines, food spoilage, and limited access to essential services during prolonged blackouts.
Economic Risks Amid Bridge Development
Uy warned that failure to resolve the power issue could undermine the economic potential of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (Samal Bridge), which is more than 50 percent complete as of 2026. The bridge is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and property development once operational.
As early as 2024, while serving as mayor, Uy estimated that the city was incurring annual losses ranging from P120 million to P150 million due to unreliable electricity service. He detailed the breakdown of these losses:
- Tourism sector: Approximately P50 million in foregone revenues annually.
- Local businesses: An estimated P30 million in losses each year.
- Households: Economic impacts reaching about P50 million annually.
- Public services and infrastructure disruptions: Around P10 million in losses.
- Agriculture and fisheries sectors: Approximately P20 million in setbacks.
Uy cautioned that these losses could quadruple once the bridge opens if power reliability is not significantly improved, posing a severe threat to the region's growth.
Legal Basis for Turnover and Hopes for Reliable Power
The transition of Samal’s power distribution system to Davao Light followed the issuance of a Writ of Possession by a Regional Trial Court in Panabo City earlier this year. The court order authorized Davao Light to assume control of the city’s distribution assets pursuant to Republic Act No. 12144, which expanded the company’s franchise area to include Samal. The turnover covers all electric distribution infrastructure, including poles, lines, transformers, and related facilities.
With Davao Light now at the helm, local officials and stakeholders are hopeful that modernization efforts and infrastructure investments will finally end the prolonged outages that have hampered Talikud’s growth. Uy reiterated that equitable service delivery is crucial, stressing that development must reach not only mainland Samal but also its island barangays, especially in Talikud as it continues to position itself as a premier beach destination in Mindanao.
