AboitizPower’s Davao Light starts submarine cable-laying between Davao City, Samal

Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower), through its distribution utility Davao Light and Power Company, on Friday announced the start of submarine cable-laying in the Pakiputan Strait, connecting the Island Garden City of Samal to Davao City. 

AboitizPower said the cable-laying was the first step for the island’s long-awaited integration into the Mindanao mainland’s power grid after years of service woes.

The 1,015-meter submarine cable was produced in China and custom-built to meet the project’s specifications.

The energization of the 69-kilovolt project is expected to be completed by mid-2026.

“Davao Light is ready, poised, and equipped to serve the people, communities, and businesses of the Island Garden City of Samal,” Davao Light president and COO Enriczar Tia said.

AboitizPower said Samal has faced power distribution issues due to aging infrastructure and network maintenance concerns, with frequent outages on the island straining households, disrupting businesses, and weakening the island’s potential as a tourism hub. 

The company said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted the Provisional Authority for Davao Light’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which formally cleared the way for the submarine cable laying connecting Samal to the mainland grid.

Davao Light is the third largest privately-owned distribution utility in the Philippines, serving the cities of Davao and Panabo, plus the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas. 

Republic Act No. 12144, which took effect last April 2025, expanded Davao Light’s franchise area to several areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, including Samal. 

The Supreme Court affirmed its legality in January 2026.

The Regional Trial Court also issued a Writ of Possession - Panabo Branch 4, authorizing Davao Light to take over all electric distribution assets in Samal, according to AboitizPower. –NB, GMA Integrated News