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Siargao under state of calamity due to blackout

Philippines | Luzon

Siargao under state of calamity due to blackout

By Mike Crismundo

BUTUAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Surigao del Norte has unanimously approved a resolution placing Siargao Island, dubbed the country’s surfing capital, in a state of calamity due to a severe power outage that began on Dec. 1.

The blackout now on its 12th day as of Dec. 12 was due to a problem or fault in the submarine cable from the mainland Surigao del Norte.

Siargao officials led by General Luna Mayor Sol F. Matugas welcomed the declaration. “It is a big plus factor to our economic and social activities,” Matugas said.

“Malaking tulong ‘yang approved SP resolution (This SP resolution is a big help),” added Matugas and Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco Jose “Bingo” F. Matugas II.

The Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council recommended the declaration of a state of calamity on Dec. 5. The Surigao del Norte SP approved the proposal five days later on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

The resolution provides generator sets to all 134 barangays in Siargao.

The provincial government is working with the Department of Trade and Industry to enforce a price freeze on basic commodities to provide relief to residents.

The resolution will empower local government units to implement necessary measures to address the economic and social problems from the blackout that has disrupted daily life, particularly tourist hubs.

Efforts to restore power is ongoing. The Surigao del Norte Electric Cooperative is trying to address the problem on the 1.9-kilometer section of the submarine cable.

Siargao comprises the tourist towns of GL, Dapa, Del Carmen, Burgos, Pilar, San Benito, San Isidro, Santa Monica, and Bucas Grande Islands.

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