Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib called on Tuesday for the immediate termination of the operation of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) and implored that Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) to step in.
Jubahib delivered the statement in an indignation rally against Nordeco on April 4, 2023 at DavNor Sports and Tourism Complex, Tagum City, which was attended by a coalition of concerned citizens, community organizations, and local leaders from District 1 of Davao del Norte.
“Today, I am issuing a powerful, unequivocal statement demanding the immediate cessation of Nordeco’s operations, which have been marred by incompetence, negligence, and a blatant disregard for the well-being of the people of Davao del Norte. I implore Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) to step in, take over, and provide the quality service our province so desperately needs,” Jubahib said.
This was the third protest rally conducted against Nordeco. Last month, consumers and the business sector in parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro provinces held a motorcade to push for the passage of a law that will transfer their areas’ electricity distribution to private firm DLPC citing the continued inefficient service and high rates of Nordeco.
The local government of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) also staged a rally against the said electric cooperative.
“Nordeco has failed us time and time again, consistently demonstrating an inability to reduce system loss, increase collection efficiency, and improve service for our suffering member-consumer-owners. Despite repeated appeals from local government units, concerned citizens, and business groups, Nordeco has made little progress in addressing the issues that have plagued our communities for far too long. Their sham of a cooperative is driven by self-interest and profit, leaving our people to suffer the consequences,” Jubahib said.
The governor added that power outages are a “direct result of Nordeco’s mismanagement, disrupt daily activities, inconvenience our citizens, and hinder economic growth. The cooperative’s unresponsiveness to complaints and negligence in addressing other factors affecting their service only fuel the growing frustration and discontent among the people of Davao del Norte.”
“Enough is enough. We must no longer tolerate Nordeco’s abysmal performance, which not only results in financial losses but also contributes to an unstable power supply for consumers. Their failure to increase collection efficiency prevents crucial investments in infrastructure upgrades and service expansion to meet our province’s growing needs,” he also said.
He also urged the public to support the bills filed in Congress that would expand the franchise of DLPC in areas currently served by Nordeco.
Jubahib is referring to House Bill (HB) 5077, which was filed by Davao del Norte 1st District 1 Representative Pantaleon D. Alvarez, the HB 6740 by Rep. Margarita Ignacia B. Nograles of PBA Partylist, and the HB 7047 by Rep. Sandro L. Gonzales of MARINO Partylist that were filed in Congress to expand the franchise of the Aboitiz-owned DLPC.
“It is time for us to come together and demand better for our communities. By supporting these bills, we take a stand against the rampant mismanagement and self-serving motives that have defined NORDECO’s operations. We pave the way for a brighter, more reliable, and more efficient future under the stewardship of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC),” he said.
“Nordeco’s continued existence as the primary electric cooperative in our province is a disservice to the people of Davao del Norte. By replacing them with the more capable and proven DLPC, we are not only investing in a better power infrastructure but also sending a resounding message that mediocrity and self-interest will not be tolerated,” Jubahib added.
Meanwhile, the coalition that organized the indignation rally sought to raise awareness of the issues and to push for tangible improvements to the quality of service provided by Nordeco.
As of this writing, Edge Davao has yet to receive a reaction or comment from Nordeco.
Nordeco is the primary electric cooperative serving some areas of Davao del Norte. However, it has been the subject of numerous complaints from consumers who have faced issues such as inconsistent service, exorbitant power rates, and unresolved billing disputes.
Last month, Nordeco officials assured in a press conference that issues raised by consumers are being addressed.
Elvera S. Alngog, Nordeco acting general manager, said the submarine cable to Samal is expected to be operational by April this year.
