Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remained hopeful for more renewable energy projects in the country as he led the inauguration of the 24.9-Megawatt Lake Mainit Hydro Power Plant in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on Wednesday.
The President commended the development of hydropower site and dubbed the project as a “defining step” in securing the much-needed power supply in the region.
“As our power demand continues to increase, initiatives and projects, such as this, are most welcome as they help the country increase the energy supply [and] improve our energy mix by prioritizing the use of renewables,” said Mr. Marcos in his speech.
The Lake Mainit hydroelectric run-of-river power project is expected to power around 45,000 households in the province.
The project is also expected to help in the reduction of carbon footprint and improve air quality as hydroelectric power produces very low or zero carbon emissions during its electricity generation.
Meanwhile, Sen. Grace Poe lamented the reported subsidization of electric cooperatives by local government units (LGUs) during the
resumption of the Senate Committee on Energy’s inquiry into the recurring power outages in the country.
Poe noted that electric cooperatives are granted government preference and incentives so they could deliver their services to rural
communities.
“It’s unacceptable that the LGUs are the ones subsidizing [the cooperatives] so they can fulfill their electrification,” Poe, chairperson of the Committee on Public Services, said in Filipino.
In the same hearing, Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib said their constituents continue to suffer from frequent brownouts and high
electricity rates despite the “millions of pesos” their LGU has given the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO).
Mr. Marcos also thanked the private sector from both the Philippines and Japan, saying he is looking forward to stronger bilateral
relations between the Philippines and Japan, especially in the field of renewable energy.
The Chief Executive renewed his call on the private sector to join in the government’s goal of advancing affordable, reliable, and clean
energy for the country.
“I call once again on our private sector partners to join us as we realize our goal of advancing affordable, reliable, and clean energy
for the benefit of our people,” the President said.
“We assure you that this government will continue to improve bureaucratic processes in the energy sector to make it easier for
investors to come in,” he added.