Happy (Island’s) independence from blackouts

Tourists arriving here are often greeted by posters welcoming them to ‘Happy Island,’ a nickname that has now become closely associated with the province.

- By BRIX LELIS

From vibrant cultural festivals and centuries-old heritage sites to pristine beaches, world-class surfing spots and rich biodiversity, Catanduanes truly lives up to its ‘Happy Island’ image.

But for weeks, that sense of ‘happy’ has been tested as residents and tourists grapple with prolonged power interruptions.

At its worst, electricity could be out for as long as 12 hours, effectively leaving households and communities without power for half a day.

Twelve hours without electricity in the middle of an unforgiving dry season, when much of the Philippines is already reeling under extreme heat.

It is not just an inconvenience. It is 12 hours that cripples homes, stalls government services and disrupts businesses.

But this month, just in time for the country’s 128th Independence Day celebration, hopes are rising that residents of Catanduanes may finally be freed from rotational blackouts.