DMCI Power Corp., the off-grid power arm of DMCI Holdings Inc., is eyeing a PHP 3-billion subsea cable project to link Semirara Island and Mindoro, enabling the transfer of up to 100 megawatts (MW) of power, PhilStar reports.

The planned 20-kilometer submarine cable is awaiting regulatory approval, according to DMCI chairman and CEO Isidro Consunji.

“We were thinking of connecting Semirara with Mindoro, and Popoy [Lotilla] told us to connect them and Mindoro would be made an open market. However, Lotilla is no longer with the DOE, so I don’t know who would offtake it,” Consunji said.

Mindoro currently relies heavily on costly diesel-fired generation, which Consunji said creates a market opportunity for DMCI Power to supply more affordable electricity from a mix of coal, solar, and wind. Based on initial estimates, the subsea cable will cost between ₱2 billion and ₱3 billion and carry up to 100 MW.

Consunji stressed the project’s feasibility. “We believe the project is viable economically and technically,” he said, expressing hope for swift approval from the Department of Energy (DOE).

The company has been expanding its portfolio of generation assets in off-grid areas. It operates a 12-MW wind farm supporting coal mining in Semirara and an 8-MW bunker power plant in Palawan, with recent additions in Antique and Palawan contributing to stronger sales.

Despite DMCI Holdings posting an 18% drop in net income to PHP 9.1 billion in the first half of 2025, DMCI Power increased its contribution by 5% to PHP 374 million on the back of higher sales and new capacity.

For the rest of the year, Consunji remains optimistic about DMCI’s rebound, citing lower interest rates and potential contracts in infrastructure, including the Metro Manila Subway Project where DMCI submitted the lowest bid for a Taguig segment.

What do you think — will Mindoro benefit most from DMCI’s planned subsea cable, or are there other supply options the DOE should prioritize?

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