Exactly one year since signing an agreement for the construction of a 150-megawatt solar power plant in Daanbatantayan, the Cebu Provincial Government and Acciona Energia Global formally broke ground for the facility in Brgy. Talisay today, March 16.
Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia led all Capitol officials, including mayors from all over Cebu during the ceremony that was also attended by top-level management of Acciona, led by its chairman and CEO, Jose Manuel Entrecanales.
“We hope to earn your affection and respect,” Senor Entrecanales told Gov. Gwen, acknowledging the immense effort and leadership she has demonstrated throughout the process.
“Thank you, Governor, for your effort, kindness, and to your extraordinariness,” he added.
“You can count on this Cebu Provincial Government. You can count on this united One Cebu Island. We will see to it that this project will finish efficiently in the soonest possible time,” the Governor said in response.
“We have already surprised you, guys, because we are groundbreaking right after a year after the contract was signed. We will continue to astound you as you build up more confidence in us, the Cebuanos. Because this Governor never takes mere compliance, laziness, or even ‘no’ for an answer,” she added.
𝗛𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 & 𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗖 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘
The ceremony not only signified a monumental boost for Cebu’s renewable energy sector, but it also aligned with a historic date. It was On March 16, 1521, according to the singer-songwriter Yoyoy Villame, that the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines.
Exactly 504 years later, the Spaniards are back, this time not as conquerors but as friends and partners for progress and development.
“You inspired us, Governor Gwen. You have been working 24 hours, 7 days a week. Even on your personal days, you are still working. You always make things perfect. We have to thank you in public,” said Ignacio Domecq Carrion, Managing Director of Acciona Energia in Southeast Asia.
On this very day last year, the Capitol signed the agreement with Acciona for this landmark solar power initiative, which is the first LGU-led public-private partnership in solar power generation.
The 150-megawatt solar power plant will rise on a 187-hectare Capitol property in Daanbantayan. Its contractor is Power China, represented by Amy Wang.
The agreement is covered by a build-transfer-operate scheme. Acciona will fund the construction of the solar plant. Once completed, Acciona shall have exclusive rights to operate and maintain the power plant for 25 years before it will be turned over to the Province.
It will provide a steady stream of revenue for the Province of Cebu as it collects payment for the lease of its property, percentage shares of revenues from electricity sales, and brokerage fees.
Moreover, it will also drive economic activity in Daanbantayan. It will generate employment for the locals who will be prioritized by the company; as well as contribute to the local tax collection of Daanbantayan.
The solar plant will not only strengthen Cebu’s energy infrastructure but also ensure the province plays a crucial role in the country’s shift towards clean energy.
Also present were Congresswoman Janice Salimbangon, Cebu mayors led by host Mayor Sun Shimura, Provincial Board Members led by Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III, members of the business community, as well as Carissa Garcia, second nominee of Ako Bisaya Partylist. | JMT