Residents and businesses in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) can expect a more stable electricity supply following the inauguration of a new submarine cable by Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light).
The 1.2-kilometer cable, which runs beneath the Pakiputan Strait and connects to Barangay Caliclic, has a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW)—a significant increase compared to the island’s current peak demand of around 12 MW.
Davao Light President and Chief Operating Officer Enriczar Tia said the new infrastructure is designed to support future growth, especially with the anticipated rise in tourism and business activity once the Davao-Samal Bridge is completed.
“Ang maximum capacity ani is 50 megawatts. Ang Samal karon naa sa 12 MW capacity lang kung peak pero basin mudaghan ni kay naa man dagkong resorts nga naka genset pa. This is future-proof nga ready bisan mudako maayo ang Samal unya kung mahuman na ang bridge for example ug mudaghan na ang atoang customers ug ang business community mudako, ready gyud ni siya,” Tia said in an interview.
He also highlighted the cable’s improved durability. Unlike older systems that were laid directly on the seabed and easily damaged by anchors, the new cable is armored, buried beneath the ocean floor, and covered with concrete for added protection.
“Ang kalahian aning amoa sa sauna na submarine cable, gilatag ang submarine cable sauna sa seabed ug walay protection kung maigo ug angkla, maigo maguba gyud siya. Kini different ni karon kay naay protective layer. Kaluton ug ilubong na siya sa ilalom ug naa siya gitawag ug cement bags para mutabon ug naa siyay covering ug maka assure ta nga kung maigo siya ug angkla. Kadaghanan sa angkla is naa sa shoreline,” he explained.
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib described the project as a long-term answer to the island’s persistent power outages.
“Mao na gyud ni ang pang long term na sagot sa problema sa Samal. Mao ni ang target para 99% naa gyud kuryente. Importante ang ingon ani nga technology nga submarine cable for the island. Mao ni ang long-term solution. Mao ni ang mahimong main source sa electricity,” Jubahib said.
With the new submarine cable now operational, officials expect improved reliability and sufficient capacity to support the island’s continued development.
