Marcos leads switch-on of new power plants in Siquijor

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday led the ceremonial switch-on of the 17.8-megawatt new Siquijor Diesel Power Plants in the province.

Designed to secure the island’s energy future, the Presidential Communications Office said the three new facilities—4.4 MW in Larena, 6.6 MW in Lazi, and 6.8 MW in Siquijor—were fast-tracked following the revocation of the Siquijor Island Power Corporation’s (SIPCOR) permit to operate as the province's power supplier. 

With a dependable capacity of 12.25 MW and a 1.7 MW reserve against Siquijor’s 9 MW peak demand, the project aims to ensure the continuous and stable electricity for households and businesses.

During his inspection, the President said he was pleased that the energy supply in the province would be better and sufficient. 

''Pero nasisiyahan pa rin ako na pagbalik ko rito, mai-announce ko talaga nang malakas ang loob ko, sasabihin ko, okay na ang supply, ayusin lang natin ang sistema,'' Marcos told reporters. 

(I'm happy that upon my return here, I can confidently say that the energy supply is better, now that system issues have been addressed.)

''Kapagka may outage sa isang lugar, mayroon na tayong sistema para nag-shift ng supply source from the other power plants,'' he added.

(If there will be an outage in one area, we now have a system in place wherein we shift the supply source from the other power plants.)

The plants, built through the collaboration of National Electrification Administration (NEA), PROSIELCO, and the Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO) I and III, and partner stakeholders, seek to reduce brownouts and improve system reliability in Siquijor.

It will also spur local economic growth in the province, according to the PCO. 

To recall, the Energy Regulatory Commission revoked the authority of SIPCOR to operate due to multiple violations amid the continued power supply problems in the province.

SIPCOR is a subsidiary of Villar Group’s Prime Asset Ventures. 

In a statement, SIPCOR confirmed it has been served with  ERC’s decision, adding that it shall exhaust all remedies available under the law. — RSJ/ VDV, GMA Integrated News