The power crisis is hurting Siquijor’s tourism industry*
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Siquijor passed a resolution on Tuesday, June 10, urging power crisis relief for consumers, Board Member Brylle Deeiah Tumarong-Quio said.
The resolution, moved by Quio and unanimously seconded by all members present, reflects the collective concern of the provincial legislative body over the continuing power instability affecting households, businesses, and essential services across Siquijor, a post on the board member’s Facebook page said.
The resolution formally urges the Provincial Electric Cooperative of Siquijor (PROSIELCO) to explore and implement temporary consumer relief options such as payment extensions, disconnection moratoriums, or other mitigating actions, she said.
The resolution affirms the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s proactive commitment to public welfare and economic resilience, especially during critical times, she added.
The resolution will be endorsed to PROSIELCO for appropriate action, she said.
“While we await concrete solutions and immediate interventions from the Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR), it is imperative that we also look into ways to ease the burden of our constituents who continue to suffer the consequences of prolonged outages, “ she said.
The Siquijor SP earlier passed a resolution declaring a State of Calamity as the province faces widespread blackouts due to the critical breakdown of multiple SIPCOR power generation units, resulting in a shortage of approximately 2,250KW, she said.
This power crisis has gravely affected essential services — such as water, health, education, business, communication, and tourism — causing socio-economic distress to both households and local enterprises, she said.
Consumers continue to receive increased billing statements despite irregular or no electricity supply, adding a financial burden during an already difficult time, she said.
Quio strongly urges PROSIELCO to consider the following relief measures for all affected consumers:
*Grant bill discounts or rebates for billing periods affected by the outages;
- *Provide extended payment deadlines or grace periods without penalties;
*Defer disconnection notices during the declared State of Calamity; and
*Implement a fair and transparent adjustment policy for consumers’ electricity bills.
“We believe that in times of crisis, service providers must go beyond business-as-usual and exercise both compassion and accountability,” Quio said.*