Power Crisis in Siquijor Exposes Deep-Rooted Gaps in Energy Planning

Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) Urges Government to Go Beyond Stopgap Measures and Deliver Long-Term Solutions

June 10, 2025 – Consumer advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) expressed serious concern over the ongoing energy crisis in Siquijor, following the province’s declaration of a state of calamity due to prolonged and severe power outages.

“For nearly a month, residents of Siquijor have suffered daily blackouts lasting up to five hours per day,” said Nic Satur Jr., Chief Advocate Officer of PARE. “This is not just an isolated issue—it is a reflection of systemic neglect and outdated energy planning in SPUG (Small Power Utilities Group) areas.”

Siquijor currently requires at least 9.4 MW of power during regular months and up to 20 MW during peak tourism season. But government projections and preparations fell short. The recent influx of tourists—an indicator of the island’s economic growth—was met not with upgraded infrastructure, but with rotating brownouts.

“Blackouts of this scale paralyze local economies, livelihood, public health, disrupt education, and violate the basic right of every Filipino to reliable electricity,” Satur said. “While we welcome the deployment of the 2-MW modular generator to help ease the crisis, it is a stopgap—not a solution.”

PARE is appealing to the Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), National Electrification Administration (NEA), the Regional Development Council, and the local government of Siquijor to disclose long-term solutions and planning for energy security on the island.

“We respectfully ask: What are the post-crisis plans? Is there a roadmap that addresses both peak demand and future growth?” Satur said. “The public deserves clarity—not just a 2 MW generator.”

Specifically, PARE is seeking answers and action on the following:

• A comprehensive and transparent review of Siquijor’s energy demand and supply forecasts, especially during high-tourism months
  
  

• Acceleration of plans to connect the island to the main grid for long-term energy resilience
  
  

• Public disclosure and accountability from Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR), DOE, ERC, NEA, NPC, and TransCo
  
  

• Clear enforcement of penalties for SIPCOR as it failed to comply with reliability standards under the EPIRA Law

Satur added: “We have seen what’s possible. Boracay Island faced similar problems in the past. But after the installation of a submarine cable, the island experienced a surge in investment and a leap in economic development—benefits that residents enjoy to this day. Why should Siquijor be any different?”

Power Is a Right, Not a Privilege

Satur emphasized that reliable electricity is a right protected under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), and not a luxury for urban areas alone.

“No island should be left behind,” he said. “If we are serious about inclusive development, SPUG areas like Siquijor must be empowered—not patched up. It’s time to stop applying band-aid solutions and start powering the future.”

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