Just six days after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Mindanao on June 8, 2026, Alsons Power Group has restored full generating capacity at its Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) plant, underscoring the critical role of resilient energy infrastructure in times of crisis.
The earthquake, which shook large parts of Mindanao and prompted widespread safety inspections across key infrastructure, temporarily disrupted operations at SEC’s power facilities in Maasim, Sarangani Province.
The plant, which supplies baseload electricity to parts of the region, was among those closely monitored in the immediate aftermath of the quake.
In a phased recovery effort, SEC synchronized Unit 1 back to the grid on June 11, followed by Unit 2 on June 14 — bringing both 118.5-megawatt generating units back online within less than a week of the seismic event.
The swift restoration highlights not only the structural resilience of the facility but also the operational response of Alsons Power teams, who were mobilized immediately after the earthquake to assess equipment integrity, conduct safety checks, and coordinate with government agencies and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
Ensuring stability after a major seismic event
Sarangani Energy Corporation is Alsons Power Group’s state-of-the-art circulating fluidized bed coal-fired power plant in Maasim Sarangani that leverages the latest green coal technology to deliver reliable baseload capacity to customers throughout Mindanao.
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake triggered precautionary inspections across Mindanao’s energy infrastructure, with power operators prioritizing safety and system integrity before returning assets to service.
Alsons Power said technical teams worked continuously to inspect critical systems and carry out necessary repairs before synchronizing the units back to the grid. During routine post-quake monitoring, abnormalities were also detected in the boiler system of Unit 1, prompting a temporary shutdown for further evaluation before it was safely restored.
“Safety remains our top priority,” said Alsons Power Chief Executive Officer Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara. “While restoring generation capacity is important, we will only return our facilities to operation once we are fully confident that all systems are operating safely, reliably, and in compliance with our standards.”
A critical power asset for Mindanao
The Sarangani Energy Corporation plant is a 237-megawatt coal-fired facility consisting of two generating units, designed to provide stable baseload power to Mindanao’s grid. It is one of Alsons Power’s key assets supporting regional energy demand, particularly during periods of peak consumption and system stress.
Despite the disruption caused by the earthquake, Alsons Power emphasized that system coordination with grid operators and regulatory agencies enabled a structured and safe restoration process.
Beyond operations: Support for communities
(IMAGE CREDIT: Alsons Power Group)
Beyond restoring electricity supply, Alsons Power also activated relief and recovery support for affected employees and nearby communities through the Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI), in coordination with local government units and partner organizations.
The company said its response reflects a broader commitment to both operational resilience and community support during emergencies.
“We Power with Care not only by providing reliable power, but also by standing with the communities we serve during challenging times,” Alcantara said. “As recovery efforts continue, we will work closely with all stakeholders to safely restore our facilities and help rebuild Mindanao.”
Resilience under pressure
The rapid restoration of SEC’s generating units comes as Mindanao continues to assess the broader impact of the earthquake on infrastructure and essential services.
For energy providers, the event has further underscored the importance of disaster preparedness and rapid-response capabilities in maintaining grid stability.
With both units now fully operational, Alsons Power has resumed normal output from the Sarangani facility while continuing ongoing monitoring and safety inspections to ensure long-term reliability in the aftermath of the seismic event.
