A consumer advocacy group has raised concerns over the service and communication of Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) following its takeover of distribution assets from Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS).
In a statement emailed to Edge Davao, the Davao Consumer Movement (DCM) said residents have expressed frustration over prolonged power outages and what it described as the company’s lack of transparency and accountability since the transition.
“The Davao Consumer Movement expresses deep disappointment over Davao Light’s lack of transparency and accountability toward residents of the Island Garden City of Samal,” the group said.
The organization noted that instead of experiencing better electricity service, some communities reported longer brownouts and slow response times.
According to the group, a resident from Bucaran experienced a 16-hour power outage and was told their area was “not easily accessible” despite being located along the highway.
The group also mentioned that in Barangay Cogon, electricity was reportedly out for 13 hours, while residents in San Antonio endured a full day without power.
The DCM also criticized the company’s limited communication channels, saying residents have been left with only one hotline number to report concerns.
“What makes these experiences worse is Davao Light’s silence. The company has failed to provide clear communication or timely updates, leaving residents uncertain about where to turn for help,” the group said.
It added that automated responses are not enough for consumers seeking assistance, stressing that residents of Samal deserve accessible and responsive customer service.
The group said the transition has been “chaotic,” citing poor communication and confusion among consumers.
“Right now, it appears Davao Light is overwhelmed and has dropped the ball on its responsibility to the people of Samal,” the statement read.
While acknowledging that service transitions may take time, the group said the early issues have raised doubts about the company’s readiness to serve its new customers.
“The question now is simple: will Davao Light honor its promises and prove worthy of the trust and support it received, or will this be yet another chapter of broken commitments, echoing the failures of NORDECO?” the group said.
