BIZ BUZZ: Power woes dim Siargao’s glow
Electricity issues dampen the vibrant tourism sector of popular tourist spot Siargao Island, with some business owners closing their establishments or losing about P100,000 daily in revenues.
Energy consumer group ILAW called the government’s attention to fix the power interruption on the island caused by a faulty submarine cable, especially with the influx of tourists expected during the holiday season.
It said the local tourism industry—which welcomed over 500,000 guests last year—has been suffering since December 1, as the situation has left Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands in Surigao del Norte in darkness.
ILAW gathered several business owners on the island to discuss the situation, which it considered a “crisis.”
“We call on all power stakeholders in the region to prioritize consumers first… The situation on the ground is dire for our fellow countrymen in Siargao Island.
Some entrepreneurs have cried about lost opportunities as the power interruptions continue to disrupt their businesses. Small businesses with no generators were even forced to temporarily close their shops as guests moved to areas with standby power.
ILAW also said that those running on generators have to face expensive fuel prices, biting into their profits.
Longer blackouts may be experienced on the island as ILAW said “no clear timetable for restoring a stable power supply” has been set yet.
