The second phase of the Underground Cabling Project along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue is targeted for completion in March 2026, ahead of the Araw ng Dabaw celebrations, despite minor delays caused by late delivery of equipment.
Fermin Edillon, head of the Reputation Enhancement Department of Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), said the delay was minimal and expressed optimism that the project would be finished before the citywide festivities begin.
Following the completion of the Ramon Magsaysay Avenue segment, DLPC President and Chief Operating Officer Enriczar Tia said work will proceed to the Ponciano–Pelayo segment, which has been identified as the next priority area.
“Next is Ponciano-Pelayo segment. Sumpayon na dinha,” Tia said in an interview.
Tia also noted that implementation of the Underground Cabling Project is now more than 50 percent complete based on targets set under the ordinance.
Launched in 2015 by the city goverment of Davao through the City Engineer’s Office, in partnership with telecommunications companies and utility firms, the Underground Cabling Project aims to improve public safety and enhance the visual appeal and sustainability of the city’s central business district.
The initiative is mandated by Ordinance No. 0177-14, Series of 2014, and reinforced by Ordinance No. 0152-17, Series of 2017, which require telecom and utility providers to comply with the city’s underground cabling plan.
Edillon said the project aligns with the city’s push for safety and urban order under what is commonly referred to as the “Anti-Spaghetti Wire” policy.
“Ang goal man kay ang safety sa mga tao katong ginatawag na Anti-Spaghetti Ordinance mao tu ang usa sa solusyon nga gibuhat sa city government of Davao to ensure na safe as well as nindot ang Davao City but ang coverage atu is the entire Davao City and we (Davao Light) is closely coordinating with the city government of Davao kung asa tu ang mga priority areas,” Edillon said.
He cited visible improvements along major roads, including routes from the airport to downtown Davao, as well as parts of Bajada and Lanang, while acknowledging that more work remains.
The Anti-Spaghetti Wire Ordinance (City Ordinance No. 0354-23), enacted in 2023, mandates the clearing and proper bundling of overhead utility wires.
The ordinance requires telecom and power companies to remove inactive lines, organize cables on designated poles, and, where feasible, transition to underground cabling to further improve safety and city aesthetics.
