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Power link seen to boost economy in Camarines Sur

By Riza Recio

05/07/2008

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said the missionary electrification project in the third congressional district of Camarines Sur inaugurated by President Arroyo last May 5 would not only bring electricity to 20 barangays of the province, it would also accelerate economic progress in the area.

Provided electricity for the first time were five barangays in Lahuy Island, eight in Kanalsag Island and seven in North Lagonoy.

Also present during the inauguration rites were Deputy Speaker Arnulfo Fuentebella, Caramoan Mayor Constantino Cordial Jr., National Power Corp. (Napocor) president Cyril del Callar, Camarines Sur Gov. El Rey Villafuerte and Rep. Diosdado Arroyo of the 1st District of the province.

Del Callar approved the P87 million project last June with the funding sourced from the universal charge-missionary electrification (UC-ME) collections of the NPC. This funding source provided the incentive to the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative to venture in the expansion of electricity service in missionary areas.

These agencies, working together with the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration, made the missionary electrification project a reality after its completion on April 30 in Lahuy Island.

The local government of Camarines Sur is now planning to come up with additional requirements for funding and availment from UC-ME to spur further development in the province particularly in the mining and tourism sectors by establishing a reliable and stable power supply.

These plans include the construction by the National Transmission Corp. of 69 kV for the Caramoan Peninsula and a grid connection through submarine cable for Quinalasag, Lahuy and Atulayan Islands from the mainland.

To further reduce power rates and stabilize the power supply in the island province of Catanduanes, plans are also underway to establish a grid connection through submarine cable for the Caramoan-Catanduanes section.