DAVAO CITY — Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon and the SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) have agreed on February 6, 2023, that the later will explore the renewable energy potential of the province in an effort to provide alternate power sources for the people.
As it is now, only Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO) supplies power for the whole province and it is no longer enough, Like any other power cooperative in the country, DORECO is also reliant to their power distributors.
Malanyaon wants her province to have a stable power supply to be able to respond to the growing needs, as business and tourism thrive during the post pandemic season and they expect more investors to come.
“I want an alternative, affordable if not the cheapest energy for my people and the business sector, if we have stable power and water supply it is always good for business,” she stressed during the meeting.
Based on the initial agreement, the SNAP will assess possible sites for the proposed project and Mati City is the priority being the center of tourism and trade of Davao Oriental.
The company will craft a feasibility study highlighting the possible sites and power generated.
Kenneth Fernandez, SNAP business development manager, said as long as they can identify sites to become the source for the renewable energy, they will construct a power plant “the company would optimize the cost, so that it would be palatable to the consumers.”
Malanyaon is optimistic about the project citing the vast potential of her province “there are bright prospects in our province.
If the project pushes through, Malanyaon quipped “We would no longer become a laid-back province.”
Francis Longno, Project Director of SN Aboitiz Power, said they will offer the company’s expertise to help in realizing vision of the province.
The conference was attended by Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat and her technical team, Provincial Administrator Maria Gracia Tiago, Provincial Consultants Mr. Dashiel Indelible Sr., Engr. Gregory Dukil, and Mr. Raymundo Pajarito.-with report from PIO/DavaOr
