Davao Light Expansion Powers Education Transformation in Davao de Oro
In numerous communities across Davao de Oro, electricity has evolved beyond a basic household necessity. For students, parents, and educators, reliable power has become an essential foundation for learning, productivity, and opportunity. With Davao Light and Power Company advancing its franchise expansion under Republic Act No. 12144, residents are witnessing firsthand how stable electricity can reshape educational experiences and daily living.
Student Perspectives on Power and Learning
For Joyce Mae Villanueva, a 19-year-old college student from Barangay Cuambog in Mabini, consistent electricity directly impacts her academic performance and ability to meet educational requirements.
"It was really difficult to study before, especially when we had online submissions and the power would suddenly go out," Joyce Mae explained. "If electricity becomes more stable, we can focus better on our studies. We won't always worry about missing deadlines because of brownouts."
Her experience reflects that of many students in Davao de Oro, where education has grown increasingly dependent on digital platforms, internet connectivity, and electronic devices even beyond the pandemic era.
Education in the Dark: Challenges Faced
Mark Anthony Sarmiento, a 21-year-old education student from Barangay Pindasan in Mabini, describes how frequent power interruptions disrupt both his academic work and his preparation as a future teacher.
"Most of our requirements are digital now—lesson plans, reports, presentations," he noted. "When electricity is unstable, everything stops. You lose time and momentum. Stable power helps students prepare better and learn with less pressure."
Aira Nicole Ponce, a 17-year-old senior high school student from Pantukan municipality, shared how power outages affect her study motivation.
"When brownouts happen at night, it's hard to stay focused," she revealed. "Sometimes you don't know when the electricity will come back, so you just stop studying. With stable power, learning feels lighter and more encouraging."
Parental Support and Financial Considerations
Parents throughout Davao de Oro welcome Davao Light's service expansion, recognizing how reliable electricity protects both their children's education and family finances.
Ronalyn Magdalo, a 42-year-old resident of Mabini, emphasized how stable power ensures their educational investments aren't wasted.
"We save up to buy gadgets because schools require them now," she stated. "But when there are frequent brownouts, those gadgets are useless. Stable electricity means our sacrifices are worth it."
Edgar Manalo, 48, from Nabunturan, echoed similar sentiments about how dependable power enables parents to better support their children's aspirations.
"When my daughter studies at night, I want her to be comfortable and safe," he said. "Good electricity service gives families like ours a better chance to help our children finish school."
Regulatory Progress and Implementation
The community optimism follows significant regulatory developments. On December 12, 2025, the Energy Regulatory Commission granted provisional authority to Davao Light for its Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, allowing the company to begin connecting customers and collecting payments in expanded areas of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, pending final approval.
"This means Davao Light now has provisional approval to connect customers and collect payments for its service," the company announced, marking a crucial step in implementing the expanded franchise under RA 12144.
Davao Light President and COO Enriczar Tia welcomed the decision, noting that preparation for the expansion had been ongoing for months.
"With this decision, we can now accept applications for connections," Tia confirmed, adding that customers wishing to transfer to Davao Light may apply online through links available on the company's official platforms.
Expansion Areas and Infrastructure Development
Under RA 12144, Davao Light's franchise coverage now includes several areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, many previously served by Northern Davao Electric Cooperative.
In Davao del Norte, the expanded franchise covers:
- Tagum City
- Island Garden City of Samal
- Kapalong
- Asuncion
- New Corella
- San Isidro
- Talaingod
In Davao de Oro, municipalities expected to benefit include:
- Mabini
- Maco
- Pantukan
- Monkayo
- Nabunturan
- Montevista
- Mawab
- Maragusan
- Laak
- New Bataan
Currently, the company has only established connection in Kapalong due to its proximity to Davao Light's original franchise area. Tia explained that the company cannot yet take over the entire expanded territory as negotiations with NORDECO regarding asset acquisition remain ongoing.
Service Improvements and Rate Expectations
Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib welcomed the CPCN issuance, calling it a milestone for consumers.
"This may be one document, but this spells a brighter future for the people of Davao del Norte," Jubahib declared. "With the CPCN, Davao Light can now connect customers here. This would mean lower rates and better service—something I have been fighting for since 2019."
Tia assured that customers in expanded areas can anticipate lower electricity rates and improved service quality, enhancements many believe will have lasting effects on education, livelihoods, and overall quality of life.
2026 Legal Developments and Operational Progress
Amid ongoing discussions with NORDECO, Davao Light confirmed that the Regional Trial Court Branch 34 in Panabo City issued a Writ of Possession in January 2026, authorizing the utility to take control of the power distribution system serving the Island Garden City of Samal.
Davao Light spokesperson Fermin Edillon explained that the writ enables the company to assume operational responsibility over the system to ensure continuous, safe, and reliable electricity service. He added that the transition will follow legal and regulatory procedures while appealing for NORDECO's cooperation to ensure smooth handover.
"The issuance of the Writ enables Davao Light to assume operational responsibility for the distribution system, ensuring safe, reliable, and uninterrupted electricity service for consumers," Edillon stated.
Simultaneously, Edillon addressed consumer concerns regarding recent electricity rates, noting that Davao Light's residential rate for the January 11 to February 10, 2026 billing period increased to P11.72 per kilowatt-hour, approximately P2.01 per kWh higher than December 2025. This increase primarily resulted from higher generation costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market and implementation of the Green Energy Auction Allowance.
Edillon advised consumers to monitor their electricity usage during the current billing cycle and expressed expectation that rates would stabilize and potentially decrease beginning February as cost pressures ease following the latest billing period.
For students like Joyce Mae, the impact of reliable electricity extends far beyond convenience.
"Education already has many challenges," she reflected. "If electricity becomes stable, that's one big problem removed. It helps us focus on learning and on building our future."
