PROVINCIAL officials, energy regulators, and power distribution utilities assured Boholanos that measures are underway to address the power shortage affecting the Visayas Grid, as the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) convened key stakeholders to discuss the situation and its impact on consumers across the province.
The meeting, held on September 10, 2026, at the Governor’s Office, brought together representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), local power distribution utilities, and provincial officials to provide updates on the current supply constraints and ongoing interventions aimed at stabilizing the grid.
Vice Governor Nick Besas presided over the discussion.
Joining him were Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, and Provincial Planning and Development Office Head Atty. John Titus Vistal.
Also present were representatives from the DOE Visayas Field Office, BOHECO I, BOHECO II, Bohol Light Company, Inc., Mapalad Power Corporation, and the Provincial Planning and Development Office.
During the meeting, DOE Visayas Field Office representative Kelvin Ed Dajao explained that the rotational brownouts and manual load dropping being experienced in parts of the Visayas are due to the unavailability of several major power plants in Cebu and Iloilo, compounded by the loss of Mindanao HVDC power imports.
Dajao clarified that manual load dropping is a protective measure implemented to preserve the stability of the power system and prevent a more widespread outage across the region.
Based on the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) outlook for September 10, the Visayas Grid was placed under a red alert from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and under a yellow alert at 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. due to insufficient operating reserves.
To mitigate the shortage, DOE officials reported that reserve energy is being procured while battery energy storage systems and diesel-powered generating facilities are being utilized to augment available capacity.
Updates were also presented on renewable energy initiatives and power generation projects in Bohol that could help strengthen the province’s long-term energy security.
The agency likewise reported that several affected generating units are expected to return to service in the coming weeks.
Among these are PEDC Unit 3 in Iloilo, which is projected to be resynchronized with the grid by October 3, and TVI Unit 1 in Cebu, which is expected to resume operations by September 15.
While acknowledging that rotational brownouts may continue in the short term, DOE officials expressed optimism that the return of key generating facilities and ongoing interventions will gradually improve power supply conditions across the Visayas.
In his Facebook post, Governor Aris Aumentado encouraged the public to remain informed and practice prudent energy use as authorities continue to address the situation through coordinated efforts among government agencies and power sector stakeholders.
The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration in ensuring reliable electricity services and minimizing the impact of supply disruptions on households, businesses, and communities throughout the province.
The initiative reflects the PGBh’s commitment to strengthening energy resilience and promoting sustainable development under the leadership of Gov. Aumentado.
It also supports the province’s Strategic Governance Roadmap by advancing reliable infrastructure and energy security across the Bohol Island UNESCO Global Geopark. (PIMO/MAPI)
