By 
DAVAO del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib called for the “immediate cessation” of the operations of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Nordeco) for alleged negligence of the power company.
“Nordeco has failed us time and time again, consistently demonstrating an inability to reduce system loss, increase collection efficiency, and improve service for our suffering member-consumer-owners,” Jubahib said.
In a statement released on April 4, Jubahib described Nordeco’s service as “marred by incompetence, negligence, and a blatant disregard for the well being of the people of Davao del Norte.”
This is due to the consistent and multiple power outages that Nordeco’s clients in its franchise area experience, provoking consumer groups to push for the Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) as a reliable alternative.
“I implore Davao Light and Power Company to step in, take over, and provide the quality service our province so desperately needs,” Jubahib said.
“Despite repeated appeals from local government units, concerned citizens, and business groups, Nordeco has made little progress in addressing the issues that have plagued our communities for far too long,” Jubahib said.
The governor said the “power outages… disrupt daily activities, inconvenience our citizens, and hinder economic growth.”
On July 27 last year, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. vetoed an earlier bill seeking to expand Davao Light’s expansion, with the basis that Nordeco’s franchise in the province has yet to expire in 2028 and 2033.
This time around, three House Bills have been filed namely House Bill No. 5077, 6740, 7047 which are related to Davao Light’s franchise expansion to areas currently serviced by Nordeco.
In the same statement, Jubahib urged the public to support the said House Bills, and to “act boldly and decisively” in order to show the consumer public’s stand on the issue.
“Nordeco’s continued existence as the primary electric cooperative in our province is a disservice to the people of Davao del Norte. By replacing them with the more capable and proven DLPC, we are not only investing in a better power infrastructure but also sending a resounding message that mediocrity and self-interest will not be tolerated,” Jubahib said.
He added, “We can usher in a new era of dependable, affordable, and efficient electricity for our communities… We must not allow Nordeco’s incompetence and self-serving management to persist at the expense of our people.”
Last December 2022, Mayor of Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) Al David Uy also called the continuing operations of Nordeco a “mistake” since Igacos is still suffering poor power connection.
The same sentiment is also called for by the Davao Consumer Movement, a group that had been long-advocating for Nordeco’s replacement. On April 4, the Davao Consumer Movement joined the Solidarity Rally to show support for the three House Bills.
However, In a previous report on March 4, Nordeco said that the power outages and problems experienced by their clients, especially at Igacos, were not entirely their fault. Acting general manager Elvera S. Alngog said it was due to the shutdown of three units of the Mindoro Grid Corporation.
“Naningkamot gyod ang Nordeco nga walay curtailment, kinsa man gyoy ganahan og curtailment nga nabati gyod namo unsay mga hinaing sa katawhan sa Samal Island. Wala gyod mi nagpasagad ug ang management ginabuhat ang tanan aron ma-solve ang problem in Samal (Nordeco is really trying to have no curtailment, nobody wants curtailment. We have heard the grievances of the people of Samal Island. We are not neglecting them and the management is doing everything to solve the problem in Samal),” Alngog said. ICM