CEBU CITY — The Regional Development Council 7 is pushing for a State of Power Emergency in Central Visayas amid recurring brownouts and grid alerts, a move that could reshape the region's investment landscape. The call was made during the council's third-quarter meeting at Carcar City Hall on September 30, 2026, chaired by Governor Pamela Baricuatro.
A Bold Move to Address Power Shortages
The council formally requested the Office of the President, upon the recommendation of the Department of Energy, to declare a State of Power Emergency due to the region's supply deficiency. Such a declaration would fast-track immediate and short-term measures to address the shortage. It would also expedite the construction and expansion of power generation facilities.
The move is expected to accelerate priority transmission and substation projects of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. For property owners and investors, reliable power is a non-negotiable requirement. The declaration signals that the region is treating energy security as a foundational infrastructure priority rather than a lingering inconvenience.
Practical Measures for Everyday Resilience
Beyond the emergency declaration, the Cebu Provincial Government is pursuing practical measures to mitigate the impact of power instability. Solar panels are being installed in barangay centers, with the initiative included in the menu of services available to local leaders. This decentralized approach provides backup power at the community level.
Governor Baricuatro emphasized that jobs, water, food, education, health, shelter, and social protection are essential to achieving the region's development goals. She cited the expansion of bulk water services, the construction of people's markets, and the advancement of province-wide healthcare integration as key priorities. These measures aim to reduce poverty and strengthen communities from the ground up.
Major Infrastructure Projects Advance
The council also endorsed several major infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening flood control, transportation, ports, and connectivity across Central Visayas. Feasibility studies for dams along eight major rivers and an update to the Metro Cebu Flood Control Master Plan have been included in the 2027 National Expenditure Program.
The Consolacion-Liloan Bypass Road Project was included in the Central Visayas Regional Development Investment Program and endorsed to the Economy and Development Council-Investment Coordination Committee. The Manga Fish Port in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, was likewise endorsed to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority.
Carcar City's Ambitious Port Project
Carcar City Mayor Patrick Barcenas presented the proposed P5-billion Carcar City Port Development Project, seeking financial support for the undertaking. The Infrastructure Development Committee Secretariat committed to facilitating possible funding, subject to submission of necessary documents by the city government.
The council also sought a clear timeline from the Department of Transportation for securing alternative funding to complete the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project following the partial cancellation of its World Bank loan. The DOTr will be asked to clarify arrangements for maintenance and security of facilities built under Package 1.
What This Means for Property Buyers
The push for a power emergency and major infrastructure upgrades carries direct implications for anyone considering a move to Cebu. In the short term, backup power remains essential, making homes with generator backup or solar inverter setups more attractive. Checking water supply reliability and flood mitigation in target neighborhoods is equally critical.
Over the long term, these infrastructure projects enhance livability and support property value appreciation. Transport improvements like the bypass road and CBRT will alter traffic flows, making proximity to planned transit corridors a valuable asset. The region's aggressive push for solutions demonstrates strong institutional commitment to sustainable urbanization.
