Maasim, Sarangani
November 22, 2019
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration of the 105-megawatt (MW) section of the baseload coal-fired power plant (phase 2) of the Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) and the launching of the 14.5-megawatt (MW) Siguil River Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Municipality of Maasim, Sarangani Province.
Phase I of the 210-MW coal-fired power plant was inaugurated by President Duterte last January 27, 2019.
The coal-fired power plant is worth US$570 million, making it the largest power investment in Sarangani and in Region 12. It provides electricity to a population of around six (6) million people to key areas in Mindanao such as Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dapitan, Digos, Dipolog, General Santos, Iligan, Kidapawan, Koronadal, and Pagadian.
Meanwhile, the Siguil River Power Plant is a PhP4.25 billion project and is the initial entry of the Alsons Power Group to renewable energy. This would provide an additional power supply to General Santos City and Sarangani Province.
The hydroelectric power plant is set to operate by 2022.
In his keynote address, President Duterte acknowledged the important contribution of power generation companies to the country’s development particularly in Mindanao.
“It is my hope that more power generation companies will invest in renewable energy projects in the Philippines to support the government’s advocacy for environmental protection and conservation of natural resources…Be assured that this administration is determined in its goal to achieve power security in the country, consistent with its drive to uplift the living conditions of our people,” the President said.
Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) Chairman Tomas Alcantara, several foreign dignitaries and local government officials of Sarangani joined President Duterte in the event.
* * *