By Mariela Angella Oladive
Despite modernization, many island communities in northern Iloilo still rely on costly generators and limited solar power for electricity.
A PHP388-million submarine cable interconnection project, implemented by Iloilo Electric Cooperative III (ILECO III), is set to change that by bringing stable electricity to over 13,000 households in nine barangays across three islands in Carles, Iloilo.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Ayala Land Director Fernando Zobel de Ayala led the groundbreaking ceremony for the project on March 7 in Barangay San Fernando, Sicogon Island.
Also present were Iloilo 5th District Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, Board Member Binky Tupas, ILECO III General Manager Atty. James Balsomo II, Carles Mayor Segfred Betita, and Iloilo City Rep. Julienne “Jam-Jam” Baronda.
A Lifeline for Island Residents
For many residents, this project is more than just infrastructure—it’s a long-awaited improvement that will transform daily life and economic opportunities.
“Life without electricity is difficult because everything has to be bought, and if you don’t have money, you have nothing,” said 82-year-old Lourdes, a resident of Barangay San Fernando. “We rely on solar energy, but if that fails, we are left with nothing.”
Queenlyn Acopio, a fisher and farmer with three children, shared similar struggles.
“We have generators, but there is no stable electricity. Life is hard here—if we can’t go fishing, we have no income. This project is a huge help for us. With electricity, we can buy appliances, and our children won’t have difficulties studying at night,” she said.
Barangay Captain Junjun Bantillo of Bito-on noted that the lack of reliable power limits their daily activities.
“Our island has never had electricity. We rely on solar panels and generators, but these are expensive. We can’t use televisions or refrigerators because solar energy is limited,” he explained.
Mary Joy Mahinay, a 26-year-old mother of two, emphasized the financial burden of relying on generators.
“With stable electricity, we can use appliances, charge our devices during the day, and finish our work faster. Generators cost a lot—we use more than a liter of fuel per day,” she said.
Project Scope and Implementation
The electrification project will extend a 13.2-kilovolt (KV) distribution line from Barangay Dacutan in Estancia to Manlot Island and several barangays in Calagnaan and Sicogon Islands, including Barangcalan, Bito-on, Talingting, Tinigban, Punta Batuanan, Buaya, Alipata, and San Fernando.
The project features three key submarine cable segments:
- Manlot-Dacutan (2.4 km)
- Manlot-Talingting (0.7 km)
- Punta Batuanan-San Fernando (1.4 km)
These will be equipped with protective systems at both ends to ensure reliability.
Additionally, overhead distribution lines will be installed, with extensive construction of three-phase, single-phase, and open secondary lines. This involves setting up 66 poles in Manlot, 392 in Calagnaan, and 203 in Sicogon. However, the remote locations and challenging terrain pose logistical challenges.
Set for completion in 170 days, the project is expected to enhance daily life, support businesses, strengthen education, and boost tourism.
Lighting the Path to Progress
During the ceremony, Speaker Romualdez highlighted the government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“At this groundbreaking ceremony, we stand together in declaring that no Filipino will be left behind in progress. This PHP388-million project is not just an infrastructure initiative—it is a light of hope, a light of livelihood, and a light of development for more than 13,000 families in these islands,” he said.
