President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. announced on Wednesday that the government is sending emergency generators to Siquijor to address a severe power shortage affecting the island. Some areas of Siquijor have been experiencing only two hours of electricity per day. Marcos criticized the private power provider, Siquijor Island Power Corp. (SIPCOR), for failing to meet its obligations.
To quickly restore power, the government has ordered two large generator sets from Palawan to be sent to Siquijor. These generators are expected to arrive within 24 hours and will help stabilize the electricity supply once they are operational. However, the President emphasized that this is a temporary solution.
“The assessment is that SIPCOR must meet its commitments,” Marcos said during his visit to Siquijor, where he inspected the SIPCOR power plant. This visit came after the island was declared a state of calamity due to the power outages.
Marcos acknowledged the challenges faced by Siquijor and said repairs would take about six months. He reassured the public that a long-term solution to the island’s power shortage would be in place by then.
“We will no longer rely on temporary fixes,” he added. “The government will do its part, and SIPCOR must fulfill theirs.”
SIPCOR is a subsidiary of Prime Asset Ventures, owned by former Senate President Manuel B. Villar, Jr. A representative from the company did not respond to requests for comment.
Siquijor, known for its mystical appeal, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Marcos warned that the ongoing power issues could harm the island’s growing economy.
“The people of Siquijor are the ones suffering,” he said. “They cannot conduct their business, and this is affecting their ability to develop.”
Calls from residents for alternative electricity suppliers have grown louder. The President assured the public that all options are being considered for the long-term solution.
The Department of Energy, in collaboration with local officials, will lead efforts to plan and negotiate improvements to Siquijor’s power infrastructure.
