The Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project (MVIP) is 80% finished and can already transport power from the two islands, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. 

In a report by Malaya Business Insight, Energy secretary Raphael Lotilla said that the MVIP will be 80% complete by March, “and some of the extra power from the 450 MW that are available through the submarine cable, 80% of that can be transported to the Visayas to Cebu.”

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) looks to complete the MVIP by June 30, Lotilla said. 

Meanwhile, NGCP also sees finishing the Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnection project by June 30. 

Lotilla said that once these projects are realized, stranded power from Negros can be transported to Cebu and to Luzon. 

DOE further noted that the partial completion of the MVIP this month further supports actions in ensuring stable power supply in the summer months. 

In related developments, NGCP signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA). 

Under the MOU, NICA is committed to providing NGCP intelligence information to support the protection of power transmission assets operated and maintained across the country. 

NGCP, meanwhile, will provide technical assistance to NICA to support and further establish its cybersecurity capability. 

“NGCP has dealt with sabotage and bombing incidents in the past years which affected not only the reliable delivery of power in the areas affected, but other incidents also resulted in the injury of transmission line personnel and military escorts patrolling the areas to conduct line clearing and maintenance activities. The Memorandum of Understanding that NGCP and NICA will be signing today will be a shared commitment to exchange intelligence and provide support to accomplish our respective mandates” NGCP said in a statement.