Davao Light continues underground cabling 

The local government of Davao City, in collaboration with Aboitiz Power Corporation's distribution utility subsidiary, Davao Light & Power Company, Inc. (Davao Light), recently completed the second phase of their underground cabling initiative, according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

The project involves the removal of power lines, distribution transformers, and poles to maximize the health, safety, and economic development of the city. The first phase, which was completed in 2021, covered C.M. Recto Street, while the second phase covered 0.6 kilometers of San Pedro Street.

According to Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Z. Duterte, this project will pave the way for more sustainable development around the Central Business District, enhance the city's skyline, and make the streets safer for motorists and commuters. The absence of unruly overhead wires and invasive poles will also create a more visually pleasant and spacious environment for businesses and establishments in the area.

Aside from improving the aesthetics of the city, the underground cabling initiative also prevents power pilferage, reduces emergency power interruptions, and mitigates fire hazards, accidents, and safety risks. To further expedite the construction and installation process of manholes, Davao Light engineers developed a prefabricated manhole that takes only 48 hours to complete instead of the usual four to six weeks. Construction work occurs at night to minimize traffic congestion in the concerned areas.

The first part of phase three in R. Magsaysay Avenue is still ongoing and expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year. Other streets down the pipeline subject to underground cabling are C. Bangoy Street, Pelayo Street, Bonifacio Street, and Quirino Avenue.

The LGU of Butuan and Bataan recently visited Davao City to inspect the recently completed underground cabling in San Pedro Street, while the DPWH - National Capital Region also visited to prepare for pilot feasibility studies on implementing underground cabling in EDSA and Katipunan Avenue Extension.

This project is a new addition to the many things other LGUs visit Davao City for benchmarking purposes. As Duterte said, "We shall continue to support other localities that intend to adopt the project in their respective cities and municipalities."