On January 10, 2025, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the Camotes Island Power Generation Corporation (CAMPCOR), headed by its President Engr. Jose Rommel Orillaza, formalized a partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
The agreement aims to establish trust accounts for the development and livelihood funds (DLF) and reforestation, watershed management, health, and environmental enhancement funds (RWMHEEF) in accordance with the Department of Energy.
Under the MOA, CAMPCOR is tasked with remitting quarterly financial contributions to the Province of Cebu, based on its electricity sales.
These funds are designated for use in the host communities and municipalities of Camotes Island, supporting a range of local initiatives, including community development, environmental conservation, and programs benefiting Indigenous Peoples.
The establishment of trust accounts ensures that these funds are managed transparently, with the Province of Cebu responsible for maintaining them in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Energy (DOE).
Twenty-five percent (25%) of one-centavo per kilowatt-hour (PO.0025/kWh) for Development and Livelihood Fund ("DLF"); and Twenty-five percent (25%) of one centavo per kilowatt-hour (P0.0025/kWh) for Reforestation, Watershed Management, Health and/or Environment Enhancement Fund ("RWMHEEF").
These funds will be distributed to the local barangays, municipalities, and the province itself, with portions also earmarked for Indigenous communities in the province. CAMPCOR is also required to remit funds on a quarterly basis, based on its electricity sales, to ensure timely support for these initiatives.
CAMPCOR, which supplies power to the island through its diesel plants and generating units, is in the midst of a 15-year power supply agreement with Camotes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CECI).
The company currently provides 8.41 MW of electricity to residents across the municipalities of Poro and Pilar on Camotes Island. This reliable power supply is critical to the island's continued growth and development.
With the formalization of this agreement, both CAMPCOR and the Province of Cebu reaffirm their commitment to sustainable development and the welfare of the people of Camotes Island. | JMT