ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Davao del Norte — The long-standing power struggles of Samal Island are officially drawing to a close following the inauguration of a massive 50-megawatt (MW) submarine cable connecting the island to the main Davao City grid.
The project, spearheaded by Aboitiz Power Corporation through its subsidiary Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), was officially launched on Friday, April 17, 2026. The new infrastructure is expected to be fully energized within one to two weeks following a brief period of system testing.
The technical specifications of the project highlight a significant leap in the island’s energy capacity and reliability:
- The Interconnection: The project features a 1.25-kilometer, 69-kilovolt submarine cable that spans the Pakiputan Strait.
- Massive Overhead: With a rated capacity of 50 MW, the cable provides more than four times the island’s current peak load of 12 MW.
- Ending Generator Reliance: For years, many of Samal’s luxury resorts and households have been forced to rely on expensive and noisy generator sets due to frequent brownouts. This new supply is expected to render such stopgap measures obsolete.
Local officials, including Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, hailed the project as the missing piece for the island’s tourism and industrial development.
- Attracting Investment: The stability of the new power supply is expected to trigger a surge in the construction of high-end hotels and commercial establishments.
- Supporting the Bridge: The 50-MW capacity is also strategically designed to accommodate the projected demand increase when the Samal Island–Davao Connector Bridge opens in 2028.
- Residential Relief: Beyond the tourism sector, the project ensures that the island’s growing local population will finally have access to consistent, 24/7 electricity.
DLPC President Enriczar Tia emphasized that the investment is a “major step” in Aboitiz Power’s commitment to supporting regional development. “This is more than enough for current needs,” Tia stated. “We have built this to be ready for the future of Samal.”
As testing begins, residents and business owners alike are preparing for a new era of energy security. With the island’s primary bottleneck finally removed, the “Garden City” is poised to become one of the most competitive tourism and investment hubs in the Davao region.