The Provincial Government has made its “final offer” to owners of properties in Daanbantayan that fall within the 185-hectare prospected area for a solar power plant project.
The solar power plant, capable of generating 150 megawatts, shall be built in Brgy. Talisay in the said northern Cebu town.
The Capitol is partnering with Consortium Acciona Energia Global and Freya Renewables Inc. for this project that is seen to address looming increase of energy demand in the province. The Capitol shall procure the property on which the Consortium shall build the solar power facility.
During a meeting on Wednesday, March 13, Gov. Gwen Garcia and Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura appealed to the lot owners to support the project as it will help drive the energy cost down and propel economic boom in the LGU.
“Ang commitment namo sa Province of Cebu, we will try as much as possible nga makakitag trabaho, kamoy i-prioritize,” Gov. Gwen said.
The Governor also assured them that the Capitol’s offer will be enjoyed by them fully, as they will no longer have to pay taxes relative to the sale, such as capital gains, transfer tax, documentary stamp.
For his part, Mayor Shimura explained that even if they will refuse to sell their properties to the Capitol, the provincial government can always initiate expropriation proceedings.
As an inherent power of the state, expropriation forces private land owners to sell their properties to the government in view of a public project after the payment of just compensation.
In this case, the solar power plant is a project that will redound to the benefit of the general public, and hence a valid reason for expropriation.
“As the father of the town, I would like to appeal to you. This is once in a lifetime nga opportunity sa atoang lungsod. Never in the Province of Cebu nga naay solar farm ingon ani ka dako, which makabenepisyo gyod ta,” Mayor Shimura said.
Capitol and the Consortium Acciona and Freya are set to finally sign a landmark deal this Saturday, March 16, to kick off what is yet to be the first Public-Private Partnership in renewable energy generation in the country.
The solar project has gained a priority status by the Department of Energy, and Energy Sec. Raphael Lotilla is expected to attend the MOA signing this weekend. | Carlo Lorenciana