The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has conducted its first-ever regulatory inspection of the Kalayaan Diesel Power Plant (DPP) on Pag-asa Island, a Philippine-occupied territory in the West Philippine Sea. This marks a significant milestone in ensuring stable electricity for the island’s residents, government offices, and military facilities, reinforcing the country’s commitment to energy security in its farthest communities.
The inspection was carried out under strict security measures from March 4 to 6, 2025, with ERC engineers Arnulfo S. Palacio Jr. and Paul Derick N. Enriquez from the Market Operation Service – Licensing Division (MOS-LD) leading the technical audit. The mission was supported by the Department of National Defense (DND), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Western Command, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the local government of Kalayaan, ensuring safe passage from Puerto Princesa to Pag-asa Island.
The audit was conducted in compliance with Section 15, Article III of ERC Resolution No. 17, Series of 2023, which requires a technical review before granting a Certificate of Compliance (COC) or Provisional Authority to Operate (PAO). The goal was to assess the plant’s operations and maintenance, ensuring it meets international safety and reliability standards.
The 0.660-megawatt Kalayaan DPP, operated by the National Power Corporation (NPC), has been providing electricity to Pag-asa Island since its activation on Philippine Independence Day in 2021. The facility powers residential homes, government agencies, and key infrastructure, playing a vital role in maintaining the country’s presence in the contested waters of the West Philippine Sea.
ERC engineer Palacio described the inspection as a testament to the agency’s commitment to serving all Filipinos, even in the most challenging locations.
“This was no ordinary inspection. This was about ensuring that even the most remote and strategic parts of the country have access to stable and reliable electricity,” Palacio said.
ERC Chairperson and CEO Atty. Monalisa C. Dimalanta also praised the team for its dedication, highlighting the importance of extending regulatory oversight to the country’s most vulnerable and geopolitically significant areas.
“We are proud of the ERC team who conducted this mission. They represent the best of us, public servants in the energy sector, who will go the extra mile—both literally and figuratively—to guarantee reliable and stable power for all Filipinos, despite the challenges placed before us,” Dimalanta said.
The inspection of the Kalayaan DPP aligns with the Philippines’ broader strategy to strengthen infrastructure in contested areas. Ensuring a steady power supply in Pag-asa Island is crucial not just for daily life but also for national defense operations in the West Philippine Sea.
With the ERC now extending its reach to the country’s most isolated energy facilities, this visit sets a precedent for future regulatory inspections in remote territories.
What should the government do to further improve energy security in remote areas like Pag-asa Island? Share your thoughts below and follow Power Philippines for more updates on energy developments.
There are no comments
Add yours