BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is advocating for quick-fix measures, such as deploying battery energy storage systems and power barges, to curb recurring yellow and red power alerts in the Visayas region while permanent infrastructure is being developed.
The initiatives were detailed during a Joint Congressional Hearing on the Visayas Power Crisis held at L’Fisher Hotel on Saturday, October 3. Hosted by House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Representative Albee Benitez, the inquiry aimed to examine systemic gaps, address frequent blackouts, and assess their widespread impact on local residents and businesses.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin explained during a post-hearing press conference that battery energy storage will act as a buffer against supply disruptions. She added that power barges are being arranged to augment regional capacity, though long-term energy solutions are not expected until late 2028 at the earliest.
”Let’s fix the Visayas as soon as possible,” Garin said.
Benitez, who authored a resolution prompting the congressional inquiry to push for accountability and grid reliability, noted that initial components of the storage systems and power barges could be operational within the year, with additional capacity arriving by early next year. He noted that while long-term energy generation mixes remain under evaluation, immediate relief is essential.
”There is already a plan and solution to remove the red and yellow alerts,” Benitez said.
”The Visayas needs more than answers. We need reliable, stable, and affordable power,” Benitez added. “Long-term solutions matter, but people who continue to bear the effects of this problem need relief now.”
House Committee on Energy Chairman and Palawan Representative Jose Alvarez noted that the joint hearing was triggered by six separate House resolutions addressing transmission line trippings, grid capacity delays, and frequent outages.
“This meeting was called because of six resolutions (calling for) a hearing in aid of legislation para malaman ang lahat ng problema at kung ano ang gagawin. Kung gagawa po kami ng batas, o tatapusin na ng DOE at Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ang mga problema, kasama ng mga (power) generators at transmission operators,” Alvarez said.
Bataan Representative Antonino Roman III outlined the specific events covered by House Resolutions 1024, 1031, 1114, 1429, 1430, and 1439, including the back-to-back trippings of major grid lines and manual load shedding in May 2026.
“The (incidents) point to one central issue, whether the present power system is capable of providing Visayas with a stable, adequate, reliable, and affordable supply of electricity,” Roman stated.
Other lawmakers urged a collaborative, outcome-focused approach rather than assigning blame. House Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez emphasized constructive problem-solving, while House Committee on Visayas Development Chairperson Lolita Javier reminded officials of the human cost of power instability.
“This is not a venue where we finger-point. This is an exercise to help find a solution to the situation of the Visayas,” Hernandez said.
“Families, businesses, schools, hospitals and communities are affected whenever the power supply becomes unstable,” Javier said.