Davao Norte leaders push anew for Aboitiz firm to distribute power in province
DAVAO CITY — The provincial government of Davao del Norte has ramped up its call for the transfer of the entire province to the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC).
On Tuesday afternoon in its capital, Tagum City, the provincial government held a protest action against Northern Davao Electric Cooperative and to support the congressional proposals for the transfer of the province to DLPC.
About 5,000 people joined the protest action that started and ended at the provincial sports complex where the rally was held, the provincial government report said.
Gov. Edwin I. Jubahib, who led the activity, said his administration had been complaining about Nordeco’s poor service and had filed complaints at the power distribution firm’s office, the Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration), and Department of Energy.
Jubahib vowed not to stop the fight against Nordeco.
Jubahib, late last month, solicited the support of the Regional Development Council on the proposed transfer.
When he took office, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vetoed the proposal, saying it would violate the franchise of Nordeco, which is servicing parts of Davao del Norte and the entire Davao de Oro.
Since 1976, Panabo City and the towns of Sto. Tomas, Carmen, and Braulio Dujali, all in Davao del Norte, have been under the franchise area of DLPC, whose main service area is Davao City.
Also present during the event were Provincial Board Member Nicandro Suaybaguio, Jr.; Kapalong Mayor Maria Theresa Timbol; Tagum City Vice Mayor Allan Rellon; Provincial Culture, Tourism and Arts Council president Araceli Ayuste; Perfecto Urdaneta, managing director of the Davao Provinces Rural Development Institute Inc.; Rande Bayate, executive director of Sildap-Southern Mindanao; Datu Lito Sambag, purok leader Gupitan in Kapalong; and Ryan Amper, co-convenor of the Davao Consumer Movement.
Last month, the Tagum City Chamber of Commerce and Industry initiated a similar mass action.
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