Thirteen days after power supply in the islands of Siargao and Bucas Grande in Surigao del Norte were cut off, electricity was restored on Saturday, December 14, 2024.

According to the Siargao Electric Cooperative Inc. (SIARELCO), the power outage was caused by a fault at a section of the submarine cable situated on sharp-edged corals.

The cable reportedly kept in contact with the sharp corals, especially when the current was strong, which eventually damaged the insulation.

“Upon investigation and thorough assessment, it was determined that the damaged was not caused by an anchor but rather by ordinary wear and tear,” SIARELCO said.

“Further, we would like to clarify that the submarine cable, aside from the portion affected by the aforementioned fault, remains in good condition and is not dilapidated,” it added.

It can be recalled that the two islands were placed under a state of calamity due to the prolonged power outage.

Meanwhile, Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) Assistant Secretary, Romeo Montenegro, said the long-term solution for the power problem in Siargao is the establishment of energy projects such as tidal wave or ocean technology and solar energy.

“The only challenge nito is market-driven if the private sector comes in the next question is the market enough to pay for the investment considering na capital intensive ito malaking gagastusin ang liit lang ng market ng isla,” Montenegro said.

“But if there is a way by which investors can scale down its investment atune only to the requirement of the area yun yung tinitingnan namin baka pwedeng small scale,” Montenegro added.