Siquijor declares state of calamity amid power crisis

Siquijor province has declared a state of calamity due to a severe power crisis affecting all sectors.

The declaration allows the provincial government to access its calamity fund for relief efforts, including the procurement of generators.

Lawyer Dale Tudtud, provincial administrator, stated that the inadequate power supply has led to disruptions in water supply, banks, government offices, and businesses.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office passed a resolution recommending the declaration, which was unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday.

Governor Jake Vincent Villa is expected to sign an executive order for the declaration next week.

Since September last year, the island has experienced prolonged brownouts, with power provider Prosielco and supplier Siquijor Island Power Corporation (Sipcor) reportedly passing blame.

The province is also in the process of initiating competitive bidding for a new power supplier to replace the current diesel-based generation company.