Marcos orders fast-tracking of energy projects ahead of ‘Super’ El Niño
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Energy Department to expedite completion of energy projects across the country as part of the government’s preparation for the anticipated drought from a “very strong” El Niño.
“Bilang tugon sa epekto ng El Niño, inatasan ng Pangulo ang Department of Energy (DOE) na pabilisin ang pagkumpleto ng mga power project na magdaragdag ng 1,500 megawatts sa suplay pagsapit ng unang bahagi ng 2027,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a press release on Monday, October 26.
This comes after his visit to the Integrated Remote Operations Center (iROC) of SN Aboitiz Power-Magat, Incorporated in Ramon, Isabela.
The chief executive also ordered the agency to prepare for the deployment of reserve power supply, including 253-megawatt battery energy storage systems and 218-megawatt power barges.
Marcos was also briefed about the proposed 67-megawatt-peak Magat Floating Solar Power Project eyed to energize 42,000 households, help reduce water evaporation from the reservoir, and provide P522 million in revenue for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) within its 25-year lease.
On the same day, Marcos also led the inauguration of the Alfonso Lista Pump Irrigation System (ALPIS) in Bgy. Sto. Domingo, Alfonso Lista in Ifugao province.
The facility will increase irrigated farmlands from 275 to 2,300 hectares to benefit 1,315 farmers, according to Marcos.
Once the pumping station is fully utilized, the chief executive claimed it will push local production of palay from 900 tons to 26,000 as well as farmer earnings.
Marcos also led the launching of the Pamplona Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Bgy. Gattu in Pamplona, Cagayan, where he announced that his administration has built 3,000 solar-powered irrigation systems across the country since 2022.
“Mula noong 2022, nakapagpatayo na tayo ng ganitong solar-powered irrigation system sa buong Pilipinas – 3,000 na ang nagawa na nating solar-powered irrigation system,” he said.
“Naging mas mahalaga pa ito dahil sa pagdating ng tinatawag na Super El Niño. Kaya tinitingnan natin nang mabuti, mabuti na lang at nasimulan na natin ang pagtayo ng solar power irrigation system na ganito at ang iba’t ibang irrigation system na ating nagawa. Dahil dumating na, parating na, at nandito na – dito sa atin sa norte, nandito na ang El Niño,” Marcos Jr. added.