Samal: Following the recent inauguration of the 50-megawatt submarine cable here for a stable power supply, Mayor Lemuel Reyes announced Tuesday that a Malaysian group has expressed interest in establishing a halal hub on the island.

According to Philippines News Agency, Reyes stated, "I already submitted the proposal to them, and we hope they can put up the halal facility here." With the introduction of a stable and more affordable power supply, investors are expected to gradually view Samal as an investment hub, he added.

Reyes highlighted a resident's experience, mentioning that electricity bills dropped significantly from PHP31,000 under the former provider to PHP16,000 with Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC), the new power supplier. The submarine cable linking the island to the Davao City mainland grid is undergoing testing and is expected to be fully operational for energization use next month.

With Samal's current peak load at 12 MW, the new interconnection provides more than four times the island's demand, ensuring reliable power and capacity for future growth. Vice Mayor Richard Guindolman expressed optimism, emphasizing that stable power is crucial for attracting investors to the island, which is a prime tourism destination. He noted that several developers have shown interest, including plans for a dialysis center and a hospital.