Directors of three government agencies have assured Gov. Gwen Garcia of their full support to the Capitol-led 150-megawatt solar power plant project in Daanbantayan, Cebu.
They included Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) region 7 director Douglas Rufino; Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) region 7 director Atty. Sheila Enciso, and Registry of Deeds Provincial Director Atty. Ariel Condat.
They, with DAR assistant regional director Atty. Marianito Mojica, met with Governor Gwen on October 22 at the Capitol to discuss their important contributions to the success of the project.
The officials are convinced that the Daanbantayan Solar Power Plant, the first LGU-led public-private partnership in the country, would bring in much-needed renewable energy to support Cebu’s continued growth as well as create jobs and uplift the local economy in the northern Cebu town.
For instance, BIR 7 would look into the tax-related matters covering the 187-hectare property that shall be expropriated by the Capitol for the project.
The DAR will take cognizance of the possible application for land conversion from agricultural land to non-agricultural use; while the Registry of Deeds will oversee the smooth applications for the transfer of land titles from private owners to the Province of Cebu.
The solar is a joint venture between the Capitol and the consortium Acciona Energia Global and Freya Renewables. It is covered by a build-transfer-operate (BTO) scheme where the consortium will build the facility, and upon completion, will be given the exclusive right to operate the same for 25 years.
Meanwhile, the Capitol will collect payment for the lease of its property, percentage share of revenues from electricity sales, and brokerage fees. | BJR
