IT IS another victory for the people of Davao del Norte and, now, including Davao de Oro after the Senate approved on the third and final reading Senate Bill No. 2888 (House Bill No. 11072).
The bill seeks to expand the franchise area of Davao Light Power and Company, Inc. (Davao Light) to serve end-users in the City of Tagum, the Island Garden City of Samal, and the municipalities of Asuncion, Kapalong, New Corella, San Isidro, and Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and the whole of Davao de Oro.
We are one step closer to achieving a brighter future for the provinces of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro.
It should be noted that the improved bill leaves no one behind as it not only includes the rest of Davao de Oro, but it also ensures that the qualified employees of the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) will be absorbed by Davao Light.
We believe that with a more capable power distributor, those living in the areas served by Davao Light will be able to enjoy affordable and reliable power. This will mean better opportunities for businesses and investors. Residents will also be able to enjoy more savings as power rates are expected to be lower compared to the current rates of the Nordeco.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the people who have championed the voices of the consumers and the people of Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro – Governors Edwin Jubahib of Davao del Norte and Dorothy Gonzaga of Davao de Oro.
A heartfelt thank you to the Senate leadership led by Sen. Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero, to Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chairman of the Senate committee on public services, to our main author Sen. Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri as well as our co-authors Sen. Bato dela Rosa and Sen. Grace Poe. Our gratitude also extends to Minority Leader Sen. Koko Pimentel, Sen. Win Gatchalian, and Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who helped fine tune the bill.
We would also like to express our gratitude to Rep. Migs Nograles, the principal author of HB 11072, and Rep. Gus Tambunting, head of the House legislative franchises, for their efforts in facilitating the hearings and emphasizing the significance of this bill.
Lastly, the movement of the bill would not have been made possible without the all-out support of the consumers in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro – from the residents of the provinces to the business sector. Your voices have been heard, and we are now reaping its benefits.
However, there is one final hurdle – the signature of President Ferdinand Marcos. We now call on the President to help us finally secure a brighter future.
For now, we celebrate the milestone that we achieved – one that has been moved because the voices of the people were heard and the leaders listened.
- Davao Consumer Movement
