The energy sector is intensifying its response to the magnitude 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu, acting on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the swift restoration of electricity services in affected areas.
The Department of Energy (DOE), in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), generation companies, and electric cooperatives, has mobilized sector-wide efforts with priority given to hospitals, water stations, and other lifeline facilities vital to public safety and well-being. Technical teams have been deployed to secure power supply for these establishments, while mobile generator sets are being ready to provide backup electricity for health centers, evacuation sites, and other essential community services as restoration works continue.
As of 9:00 AM, significant progress has been reported in Visayas, with 214 out of 309 affected municipalities (69.26%) already energized. The status across electric cooperatives, however, remains varied: fifteen (15) are operating normally; four (4) are experiencing partial power interruptions (CEBECO II, DORELCO, LEYECO IV, and LEYECO V); and five (5) continue to face total power interruptions (SAMELCO I, SAMELCO II, ESAMELCO, NORSAMELCO, and LEYECO II). Restoration efforts are actively underway to bring electricity back to 844,428 consumer connections.
Earlier this morning, the NGCP has issued a Yellow Alert following the tripping of 27 power plants, resulting in approximately 1,658 MW being unavailable to the grid, which subsequently affected several distribution utilities in Visayas.
Several transmission lines (TL) were also affected by the earthquake, including the Daanbantayan-Tabango 230kV L1 & L2, Daanbantayan-Compostela 230kV L1 & L2, Tabango-Kananga 230kV L1 & L2, and Leyte-Luzon 350kV HVDC Line.
“Time is of the essence, and the Department of Energy, together with the entire energy sector, is working with unwavering urgency to restore power to every household, establishment, and community in the Visayas. We are fully committed to providing the necessary resources and support to help these communities recover and rebuild,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.
Meanwhile, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines has suspended the market operations in the Visayas grid beginning 10:05PM of 30 September 2025.
Restoration activities shall continue without pause, and with steadfast resolve and through the collaborative endeavors of the energy sector and the resilient citizenry of the Visayas, the region is poised to recover and emerge stronger.
