ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL, Davao del Norte — The power distribution system in the island city has officially shifted hands after Davao Light and Power Company implemented a Writ of Possession issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 4 in Panabo City, formally taking over the electric distribution assets previously operated by Northern Davao Electric Cooperative.
The takeover, enforced on February 25–26, 2026, places Davao Light in charge of the Island Garden City of Samal’s electric poles, distribution lines, transformers, and other related infrastructure under the provisions of Republic Act No. 12144, which expanded the company’s franchise area to parts of Davao del Norte, including Samal Island, and Davao de Oro.
Court-Enforced Transition
The court-issued Writ of Possession was implemented with tight security as police personnel and a SWAT team from the Philippine National Police were deployed in key areas of the island to ensure the orderly execution of the takeover. Authorities provided protection to the sheriff of RTC Branch 4 and personnel of Davao Light as they moved to assume control of the distribution system assets.
Local officials and residents had been anticipating the transition following a series of legal developments that paved the way for the company’s expansion into the area.
Local Government Welcomes New Power Distributor
Mayor Lemuel ‘Toto’ Reyes officially welcomed Davao Light as it formally assumed operations in the city. In an interview with local reporters, the mayor said residents, business establishments, and particularly beach resort operators — a major driver of the island’s tourism economy — can now directly coordinate with the company for power-related concerns and service assistance.
City officials have also begun visiting barangays across the island to inform residents that Davao Light’s services are now available and that the transition is expected to improve electricity delivery.
Davao Light has opened a service center at the IGACOS Commercial Center in Barangay Miranda, Babak District, where consumers can seek assistance and file service requests.
Expected Improvements in Power Service
Provincial leaders have expressed optimism that the shift in power distribution management will help address longstanding electricity concerns on the island. Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib previously met with barangay captains alongside the city mayor to brief them on the planned takeover.
According to provincial officials, the move aims to deliver more reliable electricity, lower power costs, and improved service quality for residents and businesses in the island city — developments seen as critical to boosting economic activity, public safety, and overall quality of life in Samal and across Davao del Norte.
Supreme Court Decision Cleared the Way
The transition followed a major legal development after the Supreme Court of the Philippines dismissed a petition challenging Republic Act 12144. The ruling effectively upheld the validity of the law that expanded Davao Light’s franchise into areas previously served by NORDECO.
Consumer groups welcomed the decision, expressing hope that the entry of a new power distributor would result in more stable electricity supply, improved service standards, and potentially lower power rates.
NORDECO Maintains Franchise, Assures Consumers
Despite the takeover of Samal’s distribution system assets, NORDECO clarified in an earlier statement that its franchise remains valid. The cooperative said the court’s decision did not revoke its authority to operate within its franchise area.
According to the cooperative, its franchise remains effective until 2028 in mainland areas and until 2033 in the Island Garden City of Samal, and it assured consumers that it remains stable and committed to serving its remaining coverage areas.
A Major Shift in Samal’s Energy Landscape
The assumption of Samal’s power distribution system by Davao Light marks a significant turning point in the island city’s energy sector. For years, residents and business owners had raised concerns about power reliability, especially as tourism continues to expand in the area.
Local leaders and consumer advocates now hope the transition will usher in a new chapter of improved electricity services, stronger infrastructure, and sustained economic growth for the island widely known as one of the key tourism hubs in the Davao Region.