The eMagazine of Philippine Information Agency 10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016
President Duterte breaks ground for 10.6 MW Bukidnon hydroelectric power plant
VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – President Rodrigo R. Duterte led the groundbreaking rites of the Pulanai hydroelectric power plant, naming the occasion as “a good day for the nation in its quest to avert climate destabilization due to our burning of ancient fuels.”.
Located in Lumbayao, Valencia City, the Pulanai Hydroelectric Power Plant is a 10.6-megawatt run-of-river project by Pure Meridian Hydropower Corporation (PMHC)—a joint venture of MERALCO and Repower Energy Development Corporation—that will generate over 74 GW-hr energy annually from Bukidnon’s Pulangui River. In his speech at the plant site visit at 2:00 p.m., December 9, Duterte said “unlike wind turbines that require strong and reliable winds to function properly, the hydropower or run-ofriver as an energy source is safer because the total amount of water in a hydropower system does not change; once the plant is up and running, the moving water that powers it is free.” Operated by PHMC, Pulanai Plant’s construction will start immediately after the groundbreaking and is expected to start commissioning by the first quarter of 2019. The company’s project profile showed that the civil works contract was awarded to InfraCore Development Corporation, a joint venture between triple A contractor Pacific Summit Construction Group and one of Europe’s largest contractor Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL), which will be using turbines and equipment from the best European manufacturer. Once running, this run-of-river project is expected to generate millions for the local government units as part of its share based on the Renewable Energy Act.
As a renewable energy power source, it is set to bring forth more than P1.6 million in annual coal and gas savings while reducing the country’s carbon dioxide emissions. This project will also employ more than 400 people during its construction phase. In his groundbreaking rites statement, Duterte also called on the New People’s Army (NPA) to refrain from pulling down the facilities constructed for the people, like hydropower plants, because “obeying laws of the land will mean showing sincerity in talking peace with the government.” The project developers, meanwhile, reported that this is their first foray in run-of-river operation in Mindanao. Department of Energy records, likewise, showed that the Pulanai facility is among the hundreds of hydroelectric power projects that were approved by the agency in 2016, which aims to address the country’s call for additional investments in renewable energy. (RLRB, PIA10-Bukidnon)
Duterte to NPAs: Refrain from pulling down hydro plants, infra projects VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon – Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte urged the New People’s Army (NPA) on Friday to refrain from pulling down local infrastructures constructed for the people like hydroelectric power plants, transportation and communication facilities, and all other structures in the country. Duterte said this clearly in his 9 December 2016 talk before local government unit (LGU) officials, industrialists, and entrepreneurs, right after the groundbreaking ceremony for the 10.6 megawatts Pulanai Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP) project in Bukidnon. He called on the NPAs to desist from any industrial action that may disturb national economy. Instead, he enjoined rebel leaders to help in securing the country’s structures against any destruction and engage in efforts to start talking peacefully. In his brief remarks at the project site in Lumbayao village, Valencia City, the President said he declined the rebels’ demand of releasing the 120 political prisoners and peace consultants of National Democratic Front, emphasizing that the government’s interest should always prevail. “I am true to my oath of office. I refused to grant the NPA’s demand because I have given so much too soon. I could only do it if they can produce
and show me a document that says they agree to an indefinite ceasefire. I want permanent and lasting peace,” Duterte said. Meanwhile, he said, the Pulanai HEPP is a run-of-river project by Pure Meridian Hydropower Corporation (PMHC)—a joint venture of MERALCO and Repower Energy Development Corporation—that will generate over 74 GW-hr energy annually from Bukidnon’s Pulangui River. The HEPP developers also explained that the project is a run-ofriver energy source that will generate millions for LGUs and will provide employment opportunities. Since the project creates economic activity in the community, Duterte urged not only the NPAs but the entire community to join the nation’s quest to avert climate destabilization, thereby making change happen. (RLRB, PIA 10-Bukidnon)
Moro filmmaker ‘Forbidden Memory’ to debut in ARMM MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur – The best documentary at this year’s Cinema One Originals Film Festival entitled ‘Forbidden Memory’, directed by multi-awarded Moro filmmaker Gutierrez “Teng” Mangansakan II will be shown on December 9, a day before the International Human Rights Day (IHRD), at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City. The 96-minute documentary dubbed “the greatest Marcos horror story never told” on its synopsis, says it “summons remembrance and memories of the fateful days in September 1974 when about 1,000 men from Malisbong and neighboring villages in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, were killed while 3,000 women and children were forcibly taken to naval boats stationed nearby where they encountered unspeakable horror.” These atrocities, genocide as they were dubbed, were perpetrated in the dark years of the martial law regime of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The screening of the film a day before the IHRD is aimed at opening the eyes of the audience to the human rights violations as well as to understand the plight of the Moros during martial law. Mangansakan, on his behindthe-scenes interview with Cinema One, said that that film is “about a collective memory that keeps the
aspirations of the people alive.” The film will have two screenings on Friday. One at 9:00 a.m. for students, members of the military, and government employees, while the Gala will be at 6:30 p.m. for members of the business sector, local government officials, educators, opinion leaders, decision-makers, and the media. Tickets are free from the Regional Human Rights Commission, the organizer of the event. (BPI/PIA10)