The public clamor for stable and cheaper power in the province is slowly being addressed and realized.
Earlier today, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon met with a group of foreign investors based in Hongkong interested in installing solar power plants in the province.
The investors, led by Mr. Donny Yeung, Chairman of Yeung Marine Holdings Inc., discussed with the Governor and her team of consultants the promising investment poised to provide a stable, cheaper, clean, and sustainable power source for the entire province.
Based on the initial discussion, the investors are set to conduct a feasibility study that will check the province’s power consumption for the next five years to determine the power requirement and the capacity of the power plants to be established.
Intending that no town would be left behind, Governor Malanyaon suggested establishing two power plants – one on the east coast and one in the gulf towns.
Currently, the investors are looking at a 30-hectare land in Banaybanay town and another area in the municipality of Cateel.
To maximize the land for the power plant, aquaculture production will be placed beneath the solar panels as the investors are also looking into engaging in agriculture and aquaculture. “This way, no land will be wasted,” said Mr. Yeung, hoping to showcase Davao Oriental as power and agricultural zone.
Through this promising investment, the power rate in the province is expected to be significantly reduced to less than 10 pesos per kilowatt, which will provide respite to residents and businesses.
Governor Malanyaon is optimistic about the investment as this would greatly support the tourism sector, which the province is aggressively promoting. “No investors or tourists would be interested in coming to a province without stable electricity,” stressed Gov. Malanyaon.
While the investors are set to conduct their feasibility study and site inspection, the provincial government will facilitate the processing of legal documents, negotiate with the land owners, and conduct a series of consultations with barangay officials, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and the Department of Energy.
Aside from providing a clean and sustainable power source, the solar power plant will also help generate jobs and income for the province.
With the Governor during this morning’s meeting is her team of Renewable Energy consultants, Mr. Dashiel Indelible, Sr., Engr. Gregory Dukil and Mr. Carmelo Laburada. By Karen Lou Deloso | Photos by Mark Oliver Alvite
