Renewable energy continues to become a major discussion in the province of Davao Oriental as the provincial government is determined to provide a cheap and reliable source of power to energize its growing businesses, industries, and communities.
On Monday, February 6, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon met with the SN Aboitiz Power Group (SNAP) executives in an exploratory dialogue for possible renewable energy investments in the province.
SN Aboitiz Power, the leading renewable energy company in the country, aims to develop and operate the best renewable energy facilities. Although primarily dominated by hydropower, the company also engages in other renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and battery.
Based on the initial agreement, the company, which is into project development, will first determine the energy source feasible for the province, particularly in the City of Mati. The company will also assess energy resources by measuring how much energy can be extracted from a particular site. From there, a feasibility study will be formulated.
Having already established power plants around the country, the company also hopes to build a power plant in the province. Business Development Manager Mr. Kenneth Fernandez explains that should the project pursue and a power plant is established, “the company would optimize the cost so that it would be palatable to the consumers.”
Governor Malanyaon expressed her optimism about the project as she believes “there are bright prospects for our province,” noting that renewable energy sources would play a massive part in the province’s envisioned development. “With all these developments, we would no longer become a laid-back province,” she added.
She also cited other developments in the province in the last several months, particularly those involving tourism, investments, and agriculture, all of which need a sustainable power supply to thrive and flourish.
Mr. Francis Longno, Project Director of SN Aboitiz Power, said he looks forward to offering the company’s expertise to help realize the province’s vision. He said he hopes to engage with the province’s technical group to jump-start the envisioned project.
Also present during the meeting were 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. ʙʏ ᴋᴀʀᴇɴ ʟᴏᴜ ᴅᴇʟᴏꜱᴏ | ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏꜱ ʙʏ ᴍᴀʀᴋ ᴏʟɪᴠᴇʀ ᴀʟᴠɪᴛᴇ
