Electricity has been restored to 96% of areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit southern Mindanao on Monday, with only two electric cooperatives still reporting partial interruptions.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said in its latest update that as of 3PM on Thursday, June 11,  restoration efforts in the franchises of Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative, Inc. (DASURECO) and South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOCOTECO II) are ongoing, with power already restored in 24 of 25 affected municipalities. NEA reported that around 36, 037 consumers remain without full service as crews continue line repairs and system normalization works.

The agency said restoration activities are being prioritized for critical facilities, particularly hospitals and essential public infrastructure, as grid stabilization efforts continue across the affected provinces.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda is maintaining close coordination with electric cooperatives to accelerate field operations in the hardest-hit areas. On June 10, he joined President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in an inspection of earthquake-damaged infrastructure in General Santos City, alongside officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Energy Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella.

The inspection covered St. Elizabeth Hospital, Romana C. Acharon Central Elementary School, and General Santos National High School, where damage assessments were conducted following the tremor.

Support for restoration work has been reinforced through Task Force Kapatid, which has mobilized personnel and equipment from across the country. A total of 26 electric cooperatives have deployed 185 personnel and 42 utility vehicles to assist in repair and restoration activities within the SOCOTECO II franchise area, coordinated with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (PHILRECA).

All field operations are being carried out under strict safety protocols as restoration teams work to fully normalize electricity service in affected communities.

What gaps in energy infrastructure does this event expose for Mindanao? Join the discussion.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more news and updates on the Philippine energy sector.