Hilantagaan to get power by April 16

CEBU, Philippines - After more than three months without electricity, residents of Hilantagaan in Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island can now breathe a sigh of relief.

Yesterday, Acting Governor Agnes Magpale said the provincial engineer is confident they could fix the generator and restore power in the island by April 16.

Recently, 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon said he was dismayed over Magpale’s lack of interest to address the electricity concern of Hilantagaan after its generator broke down last year.

Magpale earlier denied the allegations stating that after she learned of the concern when she took over as acting governor, she immediately asked the Provincial Engineering Office to look into the concern of the generator.

After checking, it was found out that they needed to change parts which were not available locally. Magpale said they had the parts ordered but this took a long time. She said this is why the engineering office decided to fabricate the parts instead so they can fix the generator immediately.

As of the last update of the engineering office to her, Magpale said she was assured it would be finished by April 16. She said she even wanted to bring the generator with them yesterday since they were headed to Bantayan Island for their campaign sortie. It was not yet done though, said Magpale.

The Liberal Party campaign sortie yesterday at the Sta. Fe sports complex  was attended by LP 4th district congressional candidate Celestino “Tining” Martinez III.

Further, reelectionist mayor of Sta. Fe Jeniffer Ilustrisimo denied that they did not do anything to fix the electricity problem. After she was informed by some residents from Hilantagaan, Ilustrisimo said they immediately asked for Magpale’s help since they could not work on it alone due to the election ban.

She said her actions are being criticized because the barangay captain of Hilantagaan is not with LP. —/JPM (FREEMAN)