The Provincial Government of Siquijor through its Sangguniang Panlalawigan has declared a state of calamity due to worsening power crisis.

Provincial Board Member Brylle Deeiah Tumarong-Quio, who moved chiefly the measure together with Board Member Meynard Asok, confirmed the declaration in her official Facebook page. 

“In response to the ongoing island-wide power crisis, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Siquijor unanimously approved Resolution entitled "A Resolution Declaring a State of Calamity in the Province of Siquijor Due to the Power Crisis and its Adverse Impact on the Community, Public Services, and Local Economy." 

Quio said that the declaration is based on the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) during its 2nd Quarter Meeting presided by Governor Jake Vincent Villa  on May 29, 2025, following "widespread and prolonged power outages attributed to the breakdown of several power generation units operated by the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR)."

“The situation has led to a critical shortfall of approximately 2,250KW, severely affecting electricity supply across the province," she cited.

"Since May 13, 2025, residents and establishments have faced rotational brownouts, with some areas receiving power for only (two) to 3 (three) hours daily. The interruptions have paralyzed essential services including water distribution, health care delivery, education, communication, and sanitation, and have caused job losses among online workers, disruptions to tourism, and severe economic setbacks,” Quio added.

Quio mentioned of Arthur Chan, representing the Siquijor Chambers Association, who presented the serious impact of power outages on the tourism industry and local businesses, citing “mass booking cancellations, refund demands, and operational challenges faced by resorts and commercial establishments.”

Chan, she added, emphasized the “economic distress caused by power instability in a province heavily reliant on tourism and service-oriented enterprises.”

“He also strongly support the declaration of State of Calamity,” Quio added. 

The approved resolution would empower the Provincial Government of Siquijor to access its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF), specifically the Quick Response Fund (QRF), to implement immediate interventions.

Quio underscored that the measure received unanimous support from all members of the Provincial Board.

PROSIELCO writes SIPCOR

In a letter dated May 28, 2025 addressed to Engr. Jose Rommel Orillaza, SIPCOR president, the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PROSIELCO), expressed "grave frustration over the continued disruptions in power supply due to frequent failures of power generating units."

The letter mentioned of the "dismal situation of the power supply in Siquijor that did not sit well upon residents who have come to seek the serious intervention of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) by airing complaints through social media platforms."

“It is disheartening that, despite all forms of assistance extended to SIPCOR, the latter remained defiant in the performance of its obligation. The latter’s callousness in listening to the clamor of the Siquijodnon manifests its brazen disregard of the Province’s welfare,” the letter signed by Glenn Galvan, general manager, and noted by Virgilio Fortich Jr., PROSIELCO project supervisor, read. 

Meanwhile, NEA in a presentation dubbed "Power Supply Procurement Plan" on its website nea.gov.ph mentioned of SIPCOR as a "lone power supplier of PROSIELCO." 

NEA's presentation cited that:

“Two power plants with two units 1.6 MW bunker fuel-fdriven generating machines are installed in each power plant located in Tignao, Lazi and Candanay Sur, Siquijor. The 6.416 MW 20-year contract of the cooperative with SIPCOR started in February 2015. A year after the operation of SIPCOR, there was a sudden change of administration in the island which made the creation of a lot of establishments and projects and led the shoot in power demand. The more when Boracay was closed and the inflow of tourists in the island increased at a rapid rate. Since four (4) gensets of SIPCOR are already running, load shedding is experienced in Siquijor."

SIPCOR is yet to issue a statement, as of posting time.