The Island Garden City of Samal is experiencing a remarkable tourism boom, yet faces a critical challenge that could hinder its full potential. Official data reveals a dramatic increase in visitor arrivals for the first eight months of the year, a growth story shadowed by persistent power instability.
Tourism on the Rise
According to the City Investment and Tourism Office (CITO), Samal Island welcomed 276,554 domestic visitors from January to August 2025. This figure marks a substantial 66% increase compared to the 166,152 arrivals recorded during the same period in 2024.
International travel to the island is also gaining momentum. CITO senior tourism operations officer Hazel Rose Coberos reported that foreign arrivals climbed to 7,774, up from 4,159 the previous year. Coberos attributed this gradual growth to the island's natural attractions but issued a stark warning about a fundamental infrastructure problem.
"If we will have a stable power supply, I'm sure the tourist arrivals will increase," Coberos stated, noting that recurring power issues have directly led to resort guests canceling their bookings.
The Power Problem Deterring Progress
The concern over the island's unreliable electricity is shared at the highest levels of local government. Samal Mayor Lemuel Reyes echoed Coberos's sentiments, explaining that the unstable power supply has become a major deterrent for investors.
"There are a lot of investors who signified their intent to invest here – like hospitals and other businesses. However, due to the prevailing power problem, they chose to back out," Mayor Reyes revealed.
He provided a concrete example of the economic impact, recounting how one investor who planned to establish a hospital ultimately withdrew. The investor cited the absolute necessity of reliable electricity to operate sensitive medical equipment, a requirement the current grid could not guarantee.
"Investors will really back out if there is a problem in power or water, for example," the Mayor added, underscoring the critical link between infrastructure and economic development.
A Brighter, More Reliable Future
For years, the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) has held the franchise for Samal Island, facing persistent criticism over frequent power outages and high electricity rates. This situation has long been identified as a brake on the island's tourism and investment prospects.
A potential solution, however, is on the horizon. In a recent meeting with local barangay captains, representatives from Davao Light and Power Company presented their plans for the island under Republic Act No. 12144, which authorizes the company to extend its services to Samal.
Davao Light announced that the target for the full energization of Samal is set for May 2026, pending regulatory approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission. The company is actively seeking the support of local government units for a smooth transition.
The anticipated shift promises significant benefits. According to the presentation, electricity rates under Davao Light are projected to be up to 30 percent cheaper than current Nordeco rates. More importantly, residents and potential investors are expecting vastly improved stability and reliability, which could unlock a new era of growth for the Island Garden City of Samal.
