Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib urged on Tuesday the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) to cooperate and give its full commitment to the efforts for a smooth transition with Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) in the province.
Davao Light held its ceremonial installation of the first distribution pole during the site launch of the 22MVA digital substation and warehouse/stockyard facilities in Barangay Magugpo, Tagum City, Davao del Norte, which will be utilized for its upcoming franchise area expansion.
The ceremony signified the imminent availability of the power utility’s services in the First District of the province and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
“Hoping ko naminaw man ang management sa NORDECO karon nga unta muhatag mo sa inyuhang full commitment and cooperation para sa mahitabong smooth transition sa pagsulod sa Davao Light. Kita nag invite sa NORDECO nga mu-cooperate sila sa Joint Transition para adunay smooth transition or magpabilin ang ilang mga poste dinha nga wala nay consumers,” Jubahib said in a press conference.
Under RA 12144 or an act expanding the franchise area of Davao Light to Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro took effect on April 6, 2025, the company has been granted the legal authority to operate and establish infrastructure in the new areas of coverage.
In line with this, according to Engr. Enriczar T. Tia, President and Chief Operating Officer of Davao Light, communications were sent to NORDECO proposing to establish a Joint Transition Committee to ensure a smooth and efficient transfer of operations.
Tia added that the electric cooperative responded that they will refer the matter to their Board of Directors and Legal Office for further discussion.
He also said that NORDECO has also been open about the Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition they filed before the Supreme Court.
“We acknowledge NORDECO’s right and await their feedback on the proposed creation of the Joint Transition Committee, which we believe is essential to pursue to facilitate a smooth and orderly transition, ensuring clarity, coordination, and preparedness throughout the process, even with their pending petition,” Tia said.
Tia emphasized that Davao Light’s main aim is to be able to sit down with NORDECO to speed up the transition and for a smooth takeover.
He added that, based on the law, Davao Light has a maximum of two years to do that.
Jubahib underscored the importance of a smooth transition in acquiring the assets of NORDECO to avoid the same conflict that transpired in 2012 involving the two feuding groups – the Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative – National Electric Administration (DANECO-NEA) and the DANECO-NEA (National Electric Administration)- that served the same customers.
“If the electric cooperative (NORDECO) will not cooperate for the proper transition, Davao Light will establish their own infrastructure. Dili ta pwede na maghulat kung kanus-a sila muhatag sa ilahang participation ug cooperation nila for the transition kay ang tawo while pending wala ta’y action na himoon ang Davao Light, padayon na mag antos ang mga consumers,” Jubahib said.
Jubahib cited RA 12144, which states that the employees will be absorbed based on their performance.
He also assured that other employees can be absorbed by the province and by the other LGUs.
“Magtinabangay mi para wala’y mga empleyado nga mawad-an sa trabaho. Of course, ato pud tan-awon dinha nga katong dili maayo ug performance or mga non-performing employees kung dili kinahanglan i-absorb, bayaran na lang sila,” Jubahib said.
Under the law, Davao Light will also potentially assume some of NORDECO’s liabilities to ensure that the outstanding debts and liabilities of NORDECO are settled.
“Kinahanglan ang smooth transition period aron masabutan ang tanang assets sa NORDECO. Pero kung dili sila mag cooperate, mapilitan ang Davao Light ug mag-establish sa ilahang sariling infrastructure so ang consumers mamili sila kung asa sila magpabilin, adto ba sila sa barato na naay tamang serbisyo ug eksaktong kuryente nga ihatod sa ilahang panimalay nga walay additional charges o sa mahal pero way klro g serbisyo? Karon mamili ang consumers,” Jubahib said.
Meanwhile, Tia said the launch reflects Davao Light’s commitment to providing reliable service to the communities in Davao del Norte.
“The substation to be built here will serve as a vital hub for distributing electricity to homes, businesses, and establishments. More than the start of infrastructure development, this event marks Davao Light’s broader mission to energize progress and extend its service to the people of Davao del Norte,” he said.
Tia also said that Davao Light remains grateful for the trust, confidence, and opportunity to serve the communities of Davao del Norte and Davao del Oro.
