As repeated power outages threaten Siargao’s economy, ILAW Pilipinas urges government to enact reforms for more resilient energy plan for the island
Manila, Philippines — Following the latest island-wide power outage in Siargao last January 9, non-government organization ILAW Pilipinas (ILAW) calls for immediate action for energy stability in the island.
The latest unscheduled power interruption happened after a multi-day blackout last December, which was caused by the 34.5kV protection system tripping after an uprooted tree struck SIARELCO’s subtransmission line at the Kan Lumen Area in Barangay Doña Helen, Socorro, leaving places in Siargao and Bucas Grande Island without power.
Incidentally, last month’s outage hit the island almost a year after the two-week blackout in December 2024, which was the result of a line fault in the 34.5MV submarine cable between Barangay Cagdianao in Claver town and Barangay Doña Helen. The incident prompted emergency measures and calls for a state of calamity as businesses in Siargao were impacted by the loss of electricity.
“These incidents of power interruption have exposed the weaknesses in Siargao’s power system,” said ILAW Pilipinas National Convenor Beng Garcia. “Every blackout costs a hefty price for Siargao’s local economy. The island needs real, long-term energy security.”
Energy Insecurity Affecting Siargao’s Economy
ILAW warns that repeated power failures in Siargao undermine its local economy. While Siargao remains one of the country’s top tourist destinations, recording 112,510 tourist arrivals in the first quarter of 2025 alone, the island’s recurring power outages raise immediate costs, crippling local businesses and tourist establishments.
Resorts, restaurants, and transport operators report significant losses due to prolonged power outages in the island. In 2024, small businesses and micro enterprises reported damages ranging from PHP 15,000 to PHP 100,000 for each day without electricity. “The cost of doing business in Siargao can become untenable. Establishments are forced to run generators for days, bleeding operational funds that should be going to expansion or wages,” reiterated Garcia. “For smaller businesses without power backup, a blackout can mean total closure. We cannot expect the locals in the island to sustain this cycle, especially during peak tourist season.”
Aside from the business sector, the youth are not spared from the effects of electric instability. Without power, schools are forced to suspend classes, affecting the valuable learning time of students. “Blackouts cause students to lose learning time and teachers to lose productivity, which ultimately causes the community to lose momentum,” said ILAW Pilipinas Youth Convenor Francine Pradez.
Calls for Immediate and Long-Term Solutions for Siargao
With recurring power disruptions threatening Siargao’s economy, ILAW urges government agencies to act and to treat the island’s power crisis as a matter of national economic interest. “Siargao’s strong tourist numbers show a significant economic potential, one that could be lost without reliable electricity,” stated Garcia.
ILAW reiterates the need to scale power sources in the island to enhance its resilience and prevent further losses to the local business and tourism sectors. Garcia asserted, “When one electric connection fails, Siargao must have the capacity to still stand. This stability can be achieved through diversifying energy resources in the island.”
Tungkol sa ILAW
ILAW is a non-profit grassroots organization aiming to be the voice of consumers’ rights for just, equitable, and affordable electricity nationwide. ILAW is at the forefront of amplifying vital issues on power in the Philippines.
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