Siquijor: Siquijor province is optimistic of a stable power supply by December after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced measures to end the power crisis on the island.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lawyer Dale Tudtud, provincial administrator and concurrent tourism officer, expressed that residents were delighted to hear the President's promise to address the province's power woes during his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday. Tudtud emphasized the importance of the President's commitment to resolving the erratic power situation on the island.

Tudtud mentioned that with the President's directives to relevant agencies, there is hope for Siquijor to improve its tourism and economy. The President, in his SONA, highlighted that the power crisis in Siquijor must be resolved and should not occur elsewhere in the country.

Earlier this year, frequent brownouts led to a state of calamity declaration in Siquijor. This situation prompted the President's visit to the island, where investigations revealed inoperative power generators, expired permits, and disorganized procurement processes.

President Marcos has tasked the Department of Energy, the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure the restoration of normal power supply in Siquijor by the end of the year. He stressed the necessity for immediate installation of facilities to provide a long-term solution to the province's power issues.

Tudtud also mentioned an upcoming announcement on August 5 regarding a supplemental power supply agreement between the NEA and power firms in Siquijor. He noted the hope for new players on the island, especially since recent brownouts, though shorter in duration, have recurred.

The Siquijor Power Corp. (SIPCOR) missed a meeting with the local disaster council and later explained operational problems, such as broken gensets, in a meeting with the Sangguniang Panglalawigan. Tudtud expressed frustration over SIPCOR's response to the ongoing power crisis, despite the Energy Regulatory Commission's involvement.

A temporary solution involved bringing a genset from Palawan, but Tudtud emphasized the need for a permanent resolution as ordered by the President. He also expressed hope that the national renewable energy plan, set for 2030, will include Siquijor, given the island's reliance on tourism as a major source of income.