The Davao Consumer Movement (DCM), a nonprofit organization, called on the Mindanao Development Authority to take a more proactive stance in resolving the power crisis surrounding Davao del Norte.
In a statement, DCM convenor Ryan Amper said it is the mandate of the MinDA to assist the government in looking for ways on how to improve the living condition of the people in Davao, specifically the power situation stemming from issues involving the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative Inc. (NORDECO).
“The MinDA, headed by its chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso Magno, should take a firmer stance on the current power situation of Davao del Norte and the Island Garden City of Samal,” the DCM said.
The group added that for residents of Davao del Norte to finally have affordable and reliable power in their households, MinDA should implement the Mindanao Power Development Program (MPDP)— a comprehensive strategy to accelerate the usage of renewable energy within the region.
By promoting the usage of renewable energy, Davao del Norte — together with the entire Mindanao region — will benefit from economic development and the promotion of environmental sustainability. “The implementation of MPDP is a critical component to the success of the DOE’s 2018-2040 Mindanao Energy Plan (MEP). This is because the MEP cannot be fully implemented if residents of Davao del Norte continue to pay for expensive electricity bills, together with continued suffering from power outages,” Amper added.
