Dire impact of Western Visayas blackout on tourism feared
SENATOR Nancy Binay yesterday voiced her apprehension regarding the repercussions of the extensive power outage in Western Visayas on the tourism industry, particularly the hospitality sector and local businesses.
Lights went out across the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros on Tuesday due to the tripping of multiple power plants, thereby isolating the three islands from the rest of the Visayas grid.
According to Binay, the recent power outage only validates that the country is clearly behind schedule in developing energy solutions.
The unscheduled power outages plunged the three islands into darkness, and crippled almost the entire region forcing establishments without backup power to close shop.
“So, how do you promote tourism ‘pag may mga ganitong unreliable power supply sa atin? The sad part, most of the inconveniences are usually experienced at small resorts that have not invested in any alternative power source. Even a 30-minute power outage, is already a nightmare for business. What more if it would take days?” Binay pointed out.
She added that in the tourism industry alone, as a result of brownouts, the direct and indirect economic repercussions are generally absorbed by the hospitality sector.
“Sa totoo lang, ‘di lang ito nangyayari sa Western Visayas. Halos sa buong Pilipinas marami pa ring nasa sektor ng turismo ang kababangon lang mula sa pandemya—and admittedly, most of them are not prepared to deal with the increasing threat of power disruption, especially those in the island resorts,” Binay added.
Aside from the broken appliances and food spoilage, Binay said that the constant power interruptions elevate the prospects of tourists cancelling their bookings for the holidays.
“Yung panay-panay ng brownout will always be a big concern. We know that these things happen beyond our control—but the persistent outages in the country are hurting our efforts to promote the Philippines as a frills-free holiday destination. Our guests come to our islands to enjoy and have a memorable time—but not these kinds of experiences,” Binay pointed out.
The senator said the role of electricity in the country’s economy, particularly in tourism and other industries, is exceedingly significant for growth and development.
She said the DOT should help draft a template for a contingency or continuity plan since most establishments do not have adequate plans to deal with energy- or communications-related failure.
