DAVAO Light will discuss its franchise expansion into Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro with Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) following the approval of House Bill 11072.
Despite Nordeco’s opposition, Davao Light President and COO Enriczar T. Tia remains optimistic about a smooth transition through collaboration rather than conflict.
Speaking at the Business Matters media forum on March 7, 2025, Tia emphasized that DLPC aims to handle the process professionally.
“We will not approach it in a hostile manner,” Tia said. “Once the transition happens, we will sit down with Nordeco and discuss the steps forward.”
Tia highlighted the opportunity to extend DLPC’s high-quality service beyond Davao City, underscoring the need for stable power to drive local development.
“It’s also part of the growth and development of local government units and businesses to have stable power, we all know that power is the basic infrastructure needed,” Tia added.
However, the expansion remains contentious, with Nordeco urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the bill.
In a letter dated January 30, Nordeco argued that the move threatens rural electrification efforts, noting that it has connected over 80,000 households in 631 underserved sitios.
Nordeco also raised concerns about DLPC’s priorities, citing that 19 percent of Davao Light’s current franchise area in Davao City remains unelectrified.
"The expansion would leave thousands of families without electricity, which contradicts the President’s vision for comprehensive rural development,” Nordeco stated.
Additionally, the cooperative warned that the expansion could violate its existing contracts, which extend until 2028 for the mainland and 2033 for the Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos).
According to Nordeco, this would be a breach of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which prohibits the impairment of contractual obligations.
In response, Tia reiterated DLPC’s commitment to waiting for the President’s decision before proceeding with further discussions.
The proposed law, which has passed the House of Representatives, would extend DLPC’s franchise for another 25 years, covering key municipalities such as Carmen, Panabo, Dujali, and Santo Tomas in Davao del Norte.
The bill includes a transition period of up to two years, allowing Nordeco to continue operations before DLPC fully takes over to ensure an uninterrupted power supply.
Tia affirmed DLPC’s commitment to collaborating with Nordeco for a smooth transition once the President acts on the bill. DEF
