Siquijor declares state of calamity due to daily power outages

The provincial government of Siquijor has declared a state of calamity due to nearly a month of daily power outages that have disrupted life and damaged the island's economy.

Governor Jake Vincent Villa announced the declaration on Thursday, June 5, following approval by the provincial board, which will grant access to a P1 million calamity fund.

Lawyer Dale Tudtud, provincial administrator and concurrent provincial tourism officer, said the inadequate power supply is affecting all sectors including water supply and banking services.

An initial P2 million has been allocated to purchase a two-megawatt generator from Palawan, expected to arrive within two to three weeks and temporarily assist Siquijor Electric Cooperative (Prosielco).

Since September last year, the island started experiencing more frequent brownouts lasting up to 10 hours or longer.

The Department of Energy is investigating the situation and has recommended that Prosielco update its power supply procurement plan and coordinate with NEA for additional generation sources.