Business Group Calls for Urgent and Lasting Power Solutions After 49-Hour Boracay Blackout

Boracay Island, Philippines — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Boracay (PCCI-B) is calling for immediate, decisive action from the national government and power sector stakeholders following the recent 49-hour blackout that affected Boracay from September 13 to 15, 2025.

While the Chamber appreciates the emergency measures implemented by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) — including the deployment of a temporary bypass line — it stresses that these temporary fixes do not resolve the root causes of the island’s ongoing power instability.

“Boracay is a world-class destination that continues to operate under a fragile and outdated power infrastructure,” said Djila I. Winebrenner, President of PCCI-B. “Our tourism industry, all businesses, and local communities are suffering. We need a system that is not only responsive to emergencies, but resilient enough to prevent them.”

PCCI-B urges the Department of Energy, NGCP, and all relevant agencies to prioritize the following:
1. Fast-track the 138-kV Nabas–Caticlan–Boracay transmission line and release an updated project timeline;
2. Support embedded and renewable energy development within the island;
3. Improve inter-agency coordination and communication with stakeholders;
4. Align any rate increases with measurable improvements in service reliability.

PCCI-B emphasized the economic risks associated with continued power disruptions, particularly during peak tourism seasons and global events. The group is calling for a coordination meeting with national and local agencies to align on long-term energy solutions.

“This cannot continue to be our normal,” Djila Winebrenner added. “We are ready to collaborate. But we need leadership and a clear, permanent solution now.”