Planned Installation of Submarine Cable Linking Davao City to Samal Island Scheduled for October
In a significant move towards improving the power infrastructure of the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), the Davao Light and Power Company (Davao Light) has announced that it will begin installing a submarine cable linking Davao City to the island in October.
The project, which is anticipated to address Samal's long-standing power supply issues, aims to enhance power stability and support economic development on the island. Once operational, it is expected to improve power reliability and potentially reduce power costs for the residents.
The submarine cable project, initially expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2023, has faced delays and has yet to be completed, with no visible progress as of now. However, the installation is set to begin in October, marking a crucial step in upgrading the power infrastructure of Samal Island.
Since 2014, Samal has been relying on modular diesel-powered generator sets without a substation, leading to unstable electricity and high power rates that could reach up to P20 per kilowatt-hour without subsidies. This unreliable power supply has caused damage to electrical appliances and has discouraged investments, particularly in healthcare, on the island.
The installation of the submarine cable is hoped to address these issues, providing a more stable power supply that could help address water supply interruptions and poor internet connectivity, both of which rely on consistent power. It is also expected to support economic development on the island, potentially attracting more investments in various sectors.
The project will expand Davao Light's service area to include the First District of Davao del Norte and IGaCoS. The first step in this project has already taken place in Tagum, with the ceremonial installation of the first distribution pole occurring at the launch of Davao Light's digital substation and warehouse facilities in Barangay Magugpo, Tagum City, on July 8, 2025.
The announcement was made during this event by Al David Uy, Davao del Norte Board Member and former Samal City Mayor. The submarine cable project is expected to be a game-changer for Samal, improving the quality of life for its residents and supporting the island's economic growth.
While the exact operational timeline beyond the start of installation in October 2025 has not been specified, the project is a promising step towards addressing the power supply issues that have plagued Samal Island for years. With the installation set to begin in October, residents and businesses on the island can look forward to a more stable and reliable power supply in the near future.
[1] Davao Light and Power Company. (n.d.). Submarine Cable Project. Retrieved from https://www.davaolight.com/submarine-cable-project/
[2] Philippine Information Agency. (2021, August 27). Davao Light to install submarine cable linking Davao City to Samal Island. Retrieved from https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1082924
[4] Manila Bulletin. (2021, August 27). Davao Light to install submarine cable linking Davao City to Samal Island. Retrieved from https://manilabulletin.com/2021/08/27/davao-light-to-install-submarine-cable-linking-davao-city-to-samal-island/
The submarine cable project, a venture by Davao Light and Power Company, is expected to boost health care on Samal Island by addressing the unreliable power supply that has led to damage of electrical appliances and discouraged investments, particularly in healthcare.
With the installation of the submarine cable, Samal Island can anticipate improved power stability, which could potentially attract more investments in technology sectors, enhancing the island's economic development.
