Carles’ island barangays plugged into grid for the first time

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A landmark in rural electrification has been achieved as the Iloilo III Electric Cooperative (ILECO III) energized its PHP 388-million submarine cable project, bringing round-the-clock electricity to the island communities of Carles that once relied on costly and unreliable power sources.

“This is history for us. Finally, the line is complete and we can now deliver electricity straight to every household on these islands, day and night,” said Atty. James Balsomo, ILECO III general manager.

The project spans three submarine cable segments: a 2,400-meter line from Barangay Daculan, Estancia to Barangay Manlot, Carles; a 700-meter link from Manlot to Barangay Talingting in Calagnaan Island; and a 1,400-meter stretch from Punta Batuanan to Barangay San Fernando, Sicogon Island.

Construction began in March 2025 at Barangay San Fernando, Sicogon, and the project was inaugurated by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Ayala Land Inc. board special adviser Fernando Zobel de Ayala. It was formally energized in August.

Implemented under the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Total Electrification Program, the initiative is considered the single largest rural electrification project under DOE’s program to date, expected to benefit around 13,000 households.

ILECO III reported that at least 3,175 households have already connected to the grid, while hundreds more have expressed intent to follow.

To ease the transition, Balsomo said ILECO III is offering free house wiring loans, payable within six to twelve months.

Balsomo said the project overcame logistical and geographic hurdles, noting Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla’s directive that quality power must reach even the most isolated islands.

“Secretary Lotilla himself reminded me — quality power must reach even the farthest islands. Power is the issue in Panay, and this is our solution,” he said.

Balsomo stressed that the submarine cable system is equipped with insulated and protected distribution lines, which can withstand harsh weather and coastal conditions, ensuring dependable service in the long term.

On top of this, the National Electrification Administration has already approved another line extension project connecting Concepcion town to the islands of Tambaliza, Naburot, and San Dionisio.

This expansion aims to power 2,126 more households before the year ends.

“Islands will only truly develop if powered by reliable electricity. This project proves that even the smallest cooperative can deliver the biggest change,” Balsomo said.