The Department of Tourism’s regional office in Eastern Visayas is excited about the upcoming completion of the PHP127-million Higatangan Submarine Cable Project, which promises to bring continuous electricity to the scenic Higatangan Island in Biliran province. This project, which will span four kilometers, is set to provide round-the-clock power to over 500 households across two villages on the island, replacing the current diesel-powered system that operates only from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Scheduled to commence early this year and expected to conclude within five to six months, the project will not only enhance living conditions for residents but also significantly benefit the island’s tourism sector. Karina Rosa Tiopes, the regional director of the Department of Tourism, emphasized the importance of 24/7 electricity for the growth of tourism, stating that it is essential for accommodation and other service providers catering to tourists.
The continuous power supply is also anticipated to draw new investments, thereby increasing employment and income opportunities for the local community. The project, which has been in development for over four years, is funded by the Department of Energy and facilitated by the National Electrification Administration. The submarine cable will connect Jubay village in Calubian, Leyte, to Mabini village on Higatangan Island, with a capacity of 13,200 volts to meet the island’s full-day power needs.
Higatangan Island, accessible by a 30-minute motorboat ride from Naval’s port, is renowned for its dynamic sandbar that shifts with the seasons and monsoons. The island also features attractions like a submerged chapel perfect for scuba diving, a cliff diving spot, and camping areas, making it a promising destination for tourists.