For the first time in more than a decade, the island communities of Molocaboc in Sagay City are once again seeing the promise of reliable electricity.
The National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) formally energized a 100-kilowatt Molocaboc Diesel Power Plant in a ceremony held at Balay Kauswagan, Sagay City, and streamed to the Molocaboc Covered Court on Friday, Dec. 5.
The milestone marks a turning point for the island, which has lived without stable electricity since the destruction brought by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
About 62 households are set to be energized, the first of more than a thousand households expected to follow in Molocaboc Daku, Molocaboc Diut, and Matabas.
Officials from the national government, Northern Negros Electric Cooperative, and the City of Sagay called it a long-awaited victory for development, especially for an island whose people have repeatedly expressed one wish: to bring back light.
A COMMUNITY’S DREAM
Engr. Rene Barruela, vice president of Small Power Utilities Group of NAPOCOR recalled their earlier visits to Molocaboc, where residents consistently voiced their desire to revive power in their community.
“Every person we talked to wanted their area energized,” he said, adding “We are powering not just homes but hope and new life on the island.”
He added that as long as there are government officials willing to help, they can energize more islands.
The project includes two generator sets, operating initially at 8 hours per day, with a rated capacity of 100 kilowatts and dependable capacity of 80 kW, the actual energy deliverable to consumers.
It was constructed beginning January 2024 and completed in June, with an approved budget of P18.7 million.
By 2029, Molocaboc is expected to shift to a hybrid system combining diesel and solar power.
Timoteo Diacor, Manager of NAPOCOR’s Small Power Utilities Group–Visayas Operations Department, emphasized that energizing small islands remains a core mandate of the national government.
“This is only one of many projects from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi,” he said., adding “Today it’s 62 households; next time, it will be more.”
‘Four typhoons could not stop this dream’
Sagay City Mayor Leo “Bebo” Cueva described the energization as a “memorable occasion” and a realization of a dream shared by generations of Molocaboc residents.
“Even the four typhoons that recently hit Negros could not stop us from energizing Molocaboc,” he said.
“This island has long been deprived of power, energy, and water. But we do not give up.”
He thanked Rep. Alfredo Marañon III (Neg. Occ., 2nd District) for continuously seeking national support that pushed the project forward.
“To the people of Molocaboc—congratulations, but you also have work to do,” the mayor added, urging households to enlist with NONECO to sustain the service.
Cueva also announced that the City of Sagay will waive OBO processing fees, and NONECO will conduct onsite membership processing on the island.
INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION
Rep. Marañon reminded the community of how long residents have waited for the return of power.
“It has been 13 years since Yolanda cut off electricity in Molocaboc. The people have been clamoring for restoration ever since”, he said.
With more than a thousand families across the island cluster and students who once relied on kerosene lamps to study, he described the energization as an investment in education, livelihood, and safety.
“In darkness, people tend to leave the island. With light, more will stay, and even more will come,” he added.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
NONECO General Manager Wilbe Bilbao called the day “historic,” noting that the electric cooperative has prepared for expansion with new poles, hardware, and wiring for line extensions.
He announced that NONECO teams will conduct seminars and membership applications next week, targeting an additional 200 households before Christmas.
“There is development and opportunity when power is provided,” he said, adding, “Our commitment is total electrification in all NONECO areas.”
For the residents of Molocaboc, the return of electricity means more than the ability to switch on lights.
It signals improved learning conditions for students, economic activity, with new small businesses likely to open, better communication and safety, especially during emergencies, and a strengthened sense of inclusion in Sagay’s growth, the mayor said.
As Barangay Captain Rocky Pasaylo shared during the ceremony, the energization symbolizes a future where the island is no longer left behind.
The Molocaboc Diesel Power Plant may currently run only eight hours a day, but officials assured that the operation will gradually increase to 16 hours, and eventually to 24/7 power service as membership grows and systems stabilize.
“This is your dream. Take care of it and make it flourish. This is a Christmas gift to the city and to Molocaboc”, Cueva added.*PR