TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) – – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of collaboration to achieve the country’s renewable energy goals and to ensure a stable power supply.
The President said this during the signing of the connection agreement for the Isabela Ground Mounted Solar Project in Ilagan City.
The 440-Megawatt Peak (MWp) solar project agreement between the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and the San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corp. (SIERDC) is seen as a move to further support the government’s initiatives in promoting the use of renewable energy sources in the country.
“With unwavering dedication and our combined efforts, we can create a future where renewable energy not only drives our progress and prosperity but also becomes a fundamental part of our national identity,” said the President in his message.
The 392-hectare project, which straddles Ilagan City and Gamu town, is expected to start during fourth quarter of this year.
“Today we will take another very important step towards the future, where sustainable energy will power our homes, drive our growth, and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos. It is with immense pride that I join you for the signing of the connection agreement between NGCP and the San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corporation for the Isabela Ground Mounted Solar Project in the City of Ilagan,” the chief executive said.
The project, he said, is not only about transforming the energy landscape in Isabela, but it is also about strengthening the country’s entire national grid, moving the country closer to a resilient and secure future.
“With an investment of P18 billion, we are looking at the generation of about 440 megawatts of clean energy. The construction stage will create jobs for 4,000 workers, boosting our local economy and improving the lives of many families,” the president added.
The President said his administration has developed the “Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop” or EVOSS to simplify the permitting process so that projects can be completed on time.
“For this project and for another similar endeavor to succeed, we need to expedite the necessary permits to ensure full regulatory compliance. That is why our government has developed the ‘Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop’ or EVOSS,” he said.
The chief executive expressed his gratitude to the provincial government of Isabela, the NGCP, SIERDC, the French Government, and Total Energies for their contributions to the project.
“Having more initiatives, just like this project, will be a catalyst for our country’s positive transformation. For one, it will pave the way for a brighter future for all Filipinos by providing more clean energy to light our homes, invigorate our schools, power up businesses, and fuel our industries.,” President Marcos further said.
Marie Fontanel, ambassador of the French Republic to the Philippines, lauded the President for recognizing the importance of engaging all stakeholders in achieving sustainable development.
“The collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment between our nations to the objectives of the Paris agreement and, of course, the importance of engaging all stakeholders, including the private sector, in achieving sustainable development,” Fontanel said.
The signing of the agreement, Fontanel added, is a significant milestone in implementing the solar power project.
“By supporting the expansion of the energy grid, this initiative promises to provide electricity to over a million households but also aims to create 4,000 jobs during the construction stage,” she added.
In addition, the President urged the NGCP to work closely with the government to ensure that the country’s energy infrastructure remains secure, reliable, and capable of meeting the growing demands. (OTB/MDCT/PIA Cagayan)
