Siquijor: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that Siquijor's power supply is now sufficient, following his commitment in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) to resolve the island's power shortage. Marcos led the ceremonial switch-on of the 17.8-megawatt Siquijor Power Plants at the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative (PROSIELCO) facility in Larena town.
According to Philippines News Agency, the new capacity more than doubles the island's demand of around nine megawatts. Marcos stated, "As we return to Siquijor, we can now guarantee that the power supply here is now even in excess because if the demand is nine megawatts, the supply is now 17, so there will no longer be a shortage." He further expressed his confidence in declaring the supply in Siquijor as sufficient.
Residents and businesses had been dealing with recurring blackouts lasting up to 10 hours. An inspection on June 11 at the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR) revealed its facilities were inadequate to meet the island's electricity needs. Subsequent investigation by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) led to the revocation of SIPCOR's Provisional Authority to Operate, putting the province at risk of power shortages and unreliable supply.
Malaca±ang reported that the government has expedited the development of the new Siquijor Diesel Power Plants Project, with a total installed capacity of 17.8 megawatts (MW), a guaranteed dependable capacity of 12.25 MW, and an N-1 reserve of 1.7 MW to provide sufficient backup power. At least three new diesel power plants were constructed and commissioned quickly, located in the municipalities of Larena, Siquijor, and Lazi.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin expressed optimism, stating, "Hopefully, we keep on improving and the occurrence of blackout here would lessen. There is no problem with supply now because Siquijor has nine or 10 megawatts peak demand."
In his SONA last July, Marcos directed the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA), and the ERC to address the recurring power interruptions and ensure stable supply in Siquijor by the end of 2025.
