Aboitiz Power Corporation has begun a major infrastructure upgrade that could transform power services in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) after successfully laying a submarine power cable across the Pakiputan Strait linking the island to Davao City.
The project, carried out through its distribution utility Davao Light and Power Company, marks a key step toward integrating Samal into the mainland power grid—an upgrade long awaited by residents and businesses after years of unstable electricity supply.
In a statement, Aboitiz Power described it as a specialized cable-laying vessel, assisted by support boats, divers, and technical experts, installed the 1,015-meter submarine cable across one of the narrowest sections of the strait between Davao City and Samal.
The cable, manufactured in China, was custom-built to meet the project’s technical specifications.
Additional work will follow in the coming months, including securing the cables underwater and building terminal stations at both ends of the connection.
“Davao Light is ready, poised, and equipped to serve the people, communities, and businesses of the Island Garden City of Samal,” said Davao Light president and chief operating officer Enriczar Tia.
Tia said the 69-kilovolt link is targeted for completion by mid-2026 and is expected to significantly improve power reliability while supporting the island’s rising electricity demand.
He said the company’s priorities include expanding the network, upgrading substations, and strengthening customer service to build a more resilient distribution system.
Anton Perdices, senior vice president and chief operating officer of AboitizPower’s Distribution Business Group, said the company aims to operate the Samal network using best practices and world-class standards to support economic development and improve residents’ quality of life.
The project moved forward after the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted provisional authority for Davao Light’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, allowing the utility to proceed with the submarine cable connection to the mainland grid.
Edwin Jubahib, governor of Davao del Norte, described the development as a turning point that signals more reliable electricity service for the province.
Samal Mayor Lemuel Reyes said improved power stability is expected to attract investors and generate jobs on the island.
Davao Light, the third-largest privately owned distribution utility in the Philippines, currently serves Davao City, Panabo City, and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas. Its franchise area was expanded to parts of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, including Samal, through Republic Act No. 12144, which took effect in April 2025 and was later upheld by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in January 2026.
A writ of possession issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Panabo also authorized Davao Light to take over the island’s electric distribution assets, paving the way for the rollout of the new power network.
