AERIAL INSPECTION:  Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi makes an aerial inspection of the 360 MW Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant. The visit is part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the privatization of the facility now owned by SN-Aboitiz Power. Cusi proceeded to inspect the ongoing construction of the National Irrigation Administration’s 6MW Magat River Integrated Irrigation System.

(Ramon, Isabela). Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Tuesday said integrated energy-water-food projects like hydro-electric dams is among the key strategy of the Duterte Administration in achieving its sustainable development goals.

"The Department of Energy is encouraging the integration of programs to develop renewable energy, water and food production," Cusi said in a speech at the 10th anniversary celebration of the privatization of the 360 megawatt (MW) Magat Hydroelectric Power Plant (Magat HEPP) here.

“I want this hydropower plant to serve as an example of this energy, water and food undertaking. This plant serves as a peaking power plant that is capable of providing ancillary services for the stability of the Luzon grid, and also irrigates 80,000 hectares of land to feed millions of Filipinos,” Cusi said.

The Energy Chief conducted an aerial and technical inspection of the Magat HEPP and the ongoing construction of the National Irrigation Administration’s 6 MW Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS), which is targeted to be complete by December this year.

"I am certain that it will benefit not only the 10 municipalities across three provinces: Isabela, Ifugao and Nueva Vizcaya, but the entire country," Cusi said of the two power plants.

He also said a strong partnership with the private sector is needed to produce 17,300 MW of additional power to support the country's development by 2030 under Dutertenomics or President Duterte's 10-point economic agenda.

During the event, the DOE Secretary invited Norway, through its ambassador, Erik Forner, to invest more in the Philippines.

"More investments are needed. DOE will provide that environment conducive to business by ensuring reliable and sufficient power and more importantly, we need to protect the interest of the public. That is the cornerstone of the Presidency of Mayor Duterte," Cusi concluded.

###