ZAMBOANGA CITY, Jan. 21 (PIA) – President Benigno S. Aquino
III brought some good news on the present power deficiency in Mindanao during
his recent visit here to attend the “Top Level Forum” of Mindanao university presidents.
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| (photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
In his speech, President Aquino disclosed that four giant
business firms committed at least 3,000 Mega Watts of power, more than enough
to address the power problems in Mindanao.
“Two nights ago, I had a chance to talk with four of the
biggest business firms in our economy about energy. They said we will soon have
surplus of power. They committed 3,000 MW. Before we part, they said Mindanao
may be experiencing power shortage right now, but soon Mindanao will be
exporting power because of huge surplus,” Pres. Aquino quoted the business
firms.
Aquino expressed confidence that this would be fulfilled as
he directly talked with the heads of these companies which the President
declined to divulge for the moment.
The President said there is only 4 MW surplus here in
Mindanao, but is way below the needed backup to power all grids in the region
if there is routine maintenance of the power plants which will take away over
300 MW.
Presently, Zamboanga City is experiencing 2 hours rotational
power interruptions every day. Power situation has improved from last year
wherein the city had experienced up to 8 hours of brownouts in a day.
Pres. Aquino also stressed that “for this project to be
realized, the help and cooperation of the community is very vital.” (FPG/MVC/PIA9-ZBST)