Davao Light's Expansion Illuminates Educational Future in Davao de Oro
In the heart of Davao de Oro, electricity has evolved from a basic utility to a fundamental pillar of educational advancement and community development. As Davao Light and Power Co. progresses with its franchise expansion authorized by Republic Act No. 12144, residents are witnessing firsthand how reliable power can reshape learning environments and daily routines across the province.
Student Perspectives on Power Stability
For Joyce Mae Villanueva, a 19-year-old college student from Barangay Cuambog in Mabini, consistent electricity directly correlates with academic success. "Before the expansion, studying was incredibly challenging, particularly during online submissions when unexpected power outages would occur," Villanueva explained. "With more stable electricity, we can concentrate fully on our studies without constant anxiety about missing deadlines due to brownouts."
Her sentiment resonates with many students in Davao de Oro, where education continues to depend heavily on digital platforms and electronic devices even in the post-pandemic era. Mark Anthony Sarmiento, a 21-year-old education student from Barangay Pindasan in Mabini, emphasized how power interruptions disrupt both academic work and professional preparation. "Most educational requirements are now digital—lesson plans, reports, presentations—and when electricity falters, everything grinds to a halt," Sarmiento noted. "Reliable power enables students to prepare more effectively and learn with reduced pressure."
Seventeen-year-old senior high school student Aira Nicole Ponce from Pantukan highlighted the psychological impact of unstable electricity. "When power fails at night, maintaining focus becomes nearly impossible," she shared. "Uncertain restoration times often lead to abandoned study sessions. Consistent electricity makes learning feel more manageable and encouraging."
Parental Support for Enhanced Electrical Services
Parents across Davao de Oro have embraced Davao Light's service expansion, recognizing how dependable electricity protects both educational investments and household finances. Ronalyn Magdalo, a 42-year-old resident of Mabini, articulated this perspective clearly. "Families save diligently to purchase necessary gadgets for school requirements, but frequent brownouts render these investments ineffective," Magdalo stated. "Stable electricity ensures our sacrifices translate into tangible educational benefits."
Edgar Manalo, 48, from Nabunturan echoed similar thoughts about parental support. "When my daughter studies at night, I want her environment to be comfortable and secure," he said. "Quality electricity service provides families like ours with better opportunities to support our children through their educational journeys."
Regulatory Framework and Implementation Progress
The growing community optimism follows significant regulatory developments. On December 12, 2025, the Energy Regulatory Commission granted Davao Light provisional authority for its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity. This authorization permits the company to initiate customer connections and payment collections in expanded areas of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro while awaiting final approval.
Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia welcomed this decision, highlighting months of preparation for the expansion. "With this provisional approval, we can now accept connection applications from residents in newly covered areas," Tia announced. He detailed that interested customers can apply through online links available on the company's official website and social media platforms as part of their streamlined 2025 registration rollout.
Geographic Coverage and Infrastructure Development
Under RA 12144, Davao Light's franchise now encompasses numerous areas previously served by the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative. The expanded coverage includes:
- Davao del Norte: Tagum City, Island Garden City of Samal, Kapalong, Asuncion, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod
- Davao de Oro: Mabini, Maco, Pantukan, Monkayo, Nabunturan, Montevista, Mawab, Maragusan, Laak, and New Bataan
Infrastructure development is progressing steadily, with Davao Light completing a 12-kilometer distribution line extension from Barangay Pag-asa to Kapalong's municipal hall. Construction has also commenced on company-owned lines and poles in Samal, while expansion to other municipalities will proceed gradually.
Service Improvements and Community Impact
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib celebrated the CPCN issuance as a transformative moment for consumers. "This document represents a brighter future for Davao del Norte residents," Jubahib declared. "It enables Davao Light to connect customers here, promising lower rates and superior service—objectives I've advocated for since 2019."
Tia reinforced this commitment, assuring expanded-area customers of reduced electricity rates and world-class service standards that will benefit education, livelihoods, and overall quality of life for years to come.
Recent Legal and Operational Developments
Amid ongoing legal proceedings with Nordeco, Davao Light confirmed that the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Panabo City issued a writ of possession in January 2026. This authorization permits the company to assume control of the power distribution system serving Samal Island residents.
Davao Light spokesperson Fermin Edillon clarified that the writ enables operational responsibility assumption to ensure continuous, safe, and reliable electricity service. He encouraged Nordeco's cooperation for a seamless transition while addressing recent rate adjustments.
Edillon noted that Davao Light's residential rate for the January 11 to February 10, 2026 billing period reached P11.72 per kilowatt-hour, approximately P2.01 higher than December 2025. He attributed this increase primarily to elevated generation costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and Green Energy Auction Allowance implementation, while anticipating stabilization and potential decreases beginning in February as cost pressures diminish.
For students like Villanueva, these developments signify more than mere convenience. "Education presents numerous challenges already," she reflected. "Stable electricity eliminates one major obstacle, allowing us to concentrate on learning and future-building without unnecessary hindrances."
