A state of calamity has been declared in Siquijor due to its worsening power crisis, Gov. Jake Villa announced on Thursday, June 5.
The declaration of a state of calamity was unanimously approved by the Siquijor Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its regular session on Tuesday, he said.
Provincial Board Member Brylle Deeiah Tumarong-Quio, in a Facebook post, said in response to the ongoing island-wide power crisis, the SP approved the declaration of a state of calamity because of its adverse impact on the community, public services and the local economy.
The declaration was based on the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) during its 2nd Quarter Meeting presided by Governor Villa on May 29, following widespread and prolonged power outages attributed to the breakdown of several power generation units operated by the Siquijor Island Power Corporation, she said.
The situation has led to a critical shortfall of approximately 2,250KW, severely affecting electricity supply across the province, the SP resolution said.
Since May 13 residents and establishments have faced rotational brownouts, with some areas receiving power for only two to three hours daily.
The interruptions have paralyzed essential services including water distribution, health care delivery, education, communication, and sanitation, and have caused job losses among online workers, disruptions to tourism, and severe economic setbacks, it added.
Arthur Chan, representing the Siquijor Chamber of Commerce and Industry, cited the serious impact of the power outages on Siquijor’s tourism industry and local businesses, citing mass booking cancellations, refund demands, and operational challenges faced by resorts and commercial establishments.
He emphasized the economic distress caused by power instability in Siquijor, which is heavily reliant on tourism and service-oriented enterprises.
Chan said he strongly supports the declaration of a state of calamity.
The approved resolution empowers the provincial government to access its Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund, specifically the Quick Response Fund, to implement immediate interventions, Tumarong-Quio said.
Tumarong-Quio and Board Member Meynard Asok moved for the passage of the resolution declaring a state of calamity.*