SIARELCO, STANDING STRONG THROUGH CHALLENGES
SIARELCO IN THE EARLY YEARS
Siargao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SIARELCO) was established on 08 September 1979 as the 114th Electric Cooperative in the Philippines under RA 6038 (1969), amended by P.D. 269 (1973) and P.D. 1645 (1979). It is situated at Catabaan, Dapa, Surigao del Norte, serving nine (9) municipalities with 132 barangays. These municipalities are divided into six (6) Districts namely, District I (Dapa), District II (Del Carmen), District III (Sta. Monica, San Benito, and Burgos), District IV (Pilar and San Isidro), District V (General Luna), and District VI (Socorro).
The Cooperative’s journey began with the Construction of the Distribution Line on 08 January 1983 funded by a loan of PhP 13.198 Million from the National Electric Administration (NEA). Its total initial loan from NEA amounted to PhP 165,986,247.95 to finance the additional costs for the electrification of Siargao Island, PhP 246,631.568 of which, representing the cost of submarine cable and two (2) substations, was condoned by the national government including interest and service charges.
The first energization took place on 15 January 1985 in the Municipality of Dapa, serving for only six hours every night using two old units 150 KW each Cummins generator sets from Kalinga Apayao Electric Cooperative (KAELCO).
The birth of SIARELCO marked a significant milestone in the history of Siargao and Bucas Grande Islands, introducing the first and only power distribution utility in the area. It came as a beacon of hope, promising comfort and convenience, and a catalyst for socio-economic advancement.
THE POWER OF RESILIENCE
SIARELCO’s first huge challenge came when the generator sets from Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative, Inc. (KAELCO) it utilized for its first energization on 15 January 1985 and subsequent energization of the seven municipalities broke down one after the other due to overloading. Also, in May 2009, the 5MVA Substation in Cagdianao, Claver encountered a transformer problem, shutting off the power in the entire coverage area for days. On 2 April 2010, SIARELCO’s 10-kilometer submarine cable laid along Brgy. Cagdianao and Doña Helen, Socorro, linking the island to the mainland grid, experienced a short circuit. This resulted in a total blackout from 2 – 14 April 2010. As SIARELCO was constructing its spare 5MVA Substation in Cagdianao near the old substation, strong lighting on 14 November 2010 partially damaged the existing powerhouse. This once again resulted in a total blackout across the Cooperative’s coverage. SIARELCO has successfully resolved all these technical breakdowns with the support of NEA, Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA), and other entities.
Moreover, super typhoon Odette which hit the island on 16 December 2021 devastated the entire distribution system of SIARELCO. All power lines were swept down and SIARELCO’s coverage area has turned into a gloomy picture of ultimate disaster and darkness. Fortunately, help came along through the initiative of PHILRECA and NEA that activated the Task Force Kapatid. Other allied organizations and various sectors also assisted generously. In less than five months, power is back in two islands, sooner than expected.
Yet, despite the seemingly insurmountable tests, SIARELCO, led by a very determined General Manager/APEC Partylist Representative, Cong. Sergio C. Dagooc, with the supportive Board of Directors and dedicated workforce, rose to the occasion. SIARELCO has proven its resilience, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to rural electrification and the well-being of the people. SIARELCO’s longstanding reputation as an Outstanding Electric Cooperative remained unshaken. This story of rising embodies the message of solidarity and hope, “United We Stand, We Stand United.”
SCALING NEW HEIGHTS
After its first energization on 15 January 1985, SIARELCO energized the Municipalities of General Luna on 15 May 1985 and Del Carmen on 13 July 1985. Power reached the Municipality of San Isidro on 20 September 1985 and in Pilar on 9 October 1985. In 1986, SIARELCO’s services extended to the municipalities of Sta. Monica on 1 February, San Benito on 25 July, and Burgos on 06 December.
However, with the increasing load in the eight municipalities, the generator sets broke down due to overloading, even after increasing its capacity from 150 KW to 364 KW and despite load shedding. The solution came through NEA as it recognized the option of drawing energy supply from the Maria Cristina Power Grid in Lake Lanao. The Cooperative received a financial aid from West Germany amounting to PhP 117,882,385.00 for the purpose. Two units of 5MVA substations were installed. one in Mainland Mindanao at Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte, and another in Can-uwak, Dapa, Surigao del Norte. Submarine cables were laid connecting the Mindanao Mainland and Bucas Grande Island, East Bucas, and Dapa. The construction of 26 kilometer- overhead transmission line traversing the islands of Bucas Grande, Middle Bucas, and East Bucas on 4 June 1990 was completed on 7 December 1991, under the supervision of NEA engineers. On 20 March 1992, SIARELCO availed a round-the-clock energy supply from Maria Cristina hydro power, a meaningful feat amidst the challenges encountered in its pursuit to provide reliable power.
The town of Socorro which is located in Bucas Grande Island was then energized on 16 June 1993 after the energization of submarine cable in Cagdianao, Claver.
From using generator sets, SIARELCO distinguishes itself as one of the seven (7) Electric Cooperatives in the Philippines initially equipped with submarine cable, covering a total length/distance of 11.52 kms. with a voltage level of 34.5.
To better serve its consumers, SIARELCO established its Area Service Centers in Sta. Monica and Socorro as well as Collection Centers in Dapa and General Luna. As of December 2023, SIARELCO has a total of 34,606 members and 36,038 connections. This significant growth is attributed to tourism and investments in the area as well as the Sitio Electrification Program of NEA.
SIARELCO’s performance has evolved from being a Small Cooperative from 1985 to 2003 to Medium from 2004 to 2009. From 2010 to present, SIARELCO is now classified as a Large Cooperative. The growth and improved performance of SIARELCO are evident in the change in its categorization level. From a rating of “D” in 1985, to “C” in 1986, to an “A+ in 1999 to “AAA” in 2012. Garnering this highest categorization awarded by NEA to an Electric Cooperative is a feat consistently achieved by SIARELCO until present. From the single award of Lowest System Loss in 1988, SIARELCO is a consistent recipient of several awards and recognitions from NEA, PHILRECA, Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (AMRECO), allied organizations, and other entities. These accolades only affirm SIARELCO as a Hall of Famer awardee.
LIGHTING 2024 AND BEYOND
SIARELCO remains committed to its vision, Acclaimed as an excellent electric service provider with reliable and affordable power, God-centered governance, competent and service-oriented workforce, state-of-the-art facilities, and in active partnership with empowered Member-Consumer-Owners. Its programs and activities are aimed at achieving its Mission: To provide quality electric service driven by globally competitive standards, thereby accelerating the economic growth and development of Siargao Island.
SIARELCO’s journey reflects resilience, dedication, and commitment to empowering its communities, overcoming every challenge, and emerging stronger with each obstacle along the way.
