Open letter to NGCP: End the blackouts, secure Iloilo’s future

WE, THE resilient citizens of Iloilo City, write to express our outrage over the recent spate of blackouts. These disruptions have severely impacted our economy, businesses, jobs, health, education, and daily lives. We cannot and will not tolerate another outage.

These blackouts could have been avoided had you prioritized the timely construction of crucial infrastructure in our region.

We are aware that Iloilo City’s distribution utility, MORE Power, is implementing the upgrading of its distribution network; these improvements are rendered ineffective by the persistent transmission bottlenecks caused by your delayed projects.

News reports expose that your commitment to construct the 3x100MVA Iloilo substation, scheduled for completion in December 2023, has not even begun construction. Clearly, such circumstance is unacceptable and the delay not only undermines NGCP’s own Transmission Development Plan but also threatens Iloilo’s booming economic growth, nurtured by the dedication of our leaders.

Even a child understands the elementary principle of supply and demand. Your inaction risks plunging our city into another debilitating power crisis in the near future.

Therefore, we demand immediate action to start and expedite the construction of the Iloilo 3x100MVA substation — our city urgently needs a stable and efficient power transmission system to sustain its continued growth. Provide a transparent timeline for completion. We deserve clear communication and accountability from NGCP.

Prioritize Iloilo’s critical infrastructure needs. Iloilo’s economic importance and growing energy demands merit prompt action.

The time for excuses and delays is over. We, the people of Iloilo City, call upon NGCP to fulfill its obligation to ensure a reliable power supply for our flourishing community. Our city’s future, and the well-being of its people, depend on it.