BUTUAN CITY – On Tuesday, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Surigao del Norte passed a resolution declaring a state of calamity in Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands due to a prolonged power outage that began on December 1, caused by a fault in the submarine cable that supplies electricity from mainland Mindanao.
Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers expressed his support for the declaration, stating that it would accelerate the release of emergency funds and provide crucial assistance to the affected towns and villages.
“The declaration will empower local authorities to implement necessary measures to address the economic and social challenges brought about by the prolonged power outage,” Barbers said.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council had recommended the calamity declaration on December 5. The provincial government committed to prioritizing the welfare of residents and swiftly restoring normalcy.
Janis Medina Reginio, a spokesperson for the Surigao del Norte provincial government, explained that the first action under the declaration is the provision of generator sets to all 134 barangays on the islands.
“We are also working with the Department of Trade and Industry to enforce a price freeze on basic commodities to ease the burden on affected residents,” she added.
Efforts to restore power are ongoing, with the Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO) reporting on Tuesday that teams were inspecting a 1.9-kilometer section of the submarine cable to identify the fault. Modular generator sets, including units from Lanao del Norte and Agusan del Norte Electric Cooperative, are being transported to Siargao to provide temporary electricity. A total capacity of 16 megawatts is expected to be available by December 20.
The extended power outage has disrupted daily activities and strained resources, prompting urgent calls for action to alleviate the crisis.
