Barangay Lumbayao, Valencia, Bukidnon
December 9, 2016

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pulanai 10.6 Megawatt Hydroelectric Power Plant in Barangay Lumbayao, Valencia, Bukidnon.

The power plant will be in full operation by the year 2019 and could generate a US$40-million worth of savings in power.
President Duterte gladly welcomed the initiatives of private corporations such as PMHC to produce clean and renewable energy. “I am very happy to utilize the (hydropower) energy, its water is renewable,” he said.

“May I ask the New People’s Army, huwag niyo perahan. Kasi pag kumuha kayo ng pera sa kanila, baka taasan nila yung singil ng kuryente?” the Chief Executive warned.

On climate change, the President sees it as a huge risk to the people particularly to third-world nations.

“There is really a climate change, a few more degrees higher than the last century… For the meantime, the coal-fired power plant is an alternative. In order to help green the planet we need that to survive,” he said.

The President is looking for a newer, greener technology that could harness the power of the sun, wind, and water as an energy source and would cost lesser expense for the government.

The President also promised to finish the road repairs in the Davao-Bukidnon Road.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) President Oscar Reyes, Pure Meridian Hydropower Corporation (PMHC) President and CEO Dexter Tiu, and local government officials from Valencia, Bukidnon were present in the said event.

*  *  *