Solar power plant in Daanbantayan in the works

CEBU, Philippines — Daanbantayan lot owners whose properties fall within the prospected area for the solar power plant project between Capitol and two private firms has been assured of “just compensation” for their properties.

There are at least 56 lot owners in barangay Talisay in the municipality of Daanbantayan that have been properly notified of the Capitol’s move to buy their lots.

Governor Gwen Garcia informed the property owners in a meeting at the Capitol last Tuesday that their properties fall within the 185-hectare lot, which has been eyed for the solar power plant that will be built by Spanish firm Acciona Energia Global and Freya Renewables.

According to a report by the provincial government’s news network, Sugbo News, the power plant is a joint venture between the Capitol and AEG-Freya and will have a capacity to produce 150 megawatts of electricity. This is a big boost to the government’s power supply generation capacity.

Daanbantayan lot owners have been assured that they will be paid “just compensation” for their properties pursuant to provisions of the law that govern possible expropriation proceedings, or the government’s power to take private property for public use upon just compensation to the owner.

Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura, who was also present at the meeting, also assured the residents of the LGU’s help by prioritizing them in housing and relocation projects.

Provincial consultant on environment, Atty. Ben Cabrido Jr., and Barangay Talisay officials were also in attendance in the said meeting.

According to Governor Garcia, this project is a priority of the Department of Energy as it is seen to address the growing demand for power in Central Visayas and neighboring regions.

Earlier this year, Panay Island and even other neighboring provinces had power outages after several power plants in the island tripped. – /ATO (FREEMAN)