Following the launch of a biomass power plant in Buluan, officials of the first district of Maguindano are looking into harnessing renewable energy sources in their town through hydroelectric plants.
Representative Sandra Sema said she will seek the help of experts in conducting feasibility studies on the possibility of establishing mini-hydroelectric plants in the municipalities of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Blah Sinsuat and North Upi.
“We are certain President Duterte will not let us down if we ask for his help to provide all needed support for us to have mini-hydroelectric plants in our district,” Sema said.
The scaled locations for the hydropower plants are in mountain ranges with rivers flowing downstream, to the Moro Gulf and the northwestern side of the 220, 000-hectare Liguasan Delta.
The Tubuan, Tambak and Kinimi rivers in Datu Blah Sinsuat and three other rivers that spring from watershed areas in Datu Odin Sinsuat and North Upi can be tapped for hyrdro energy in Maguindanao’s first district.
Sema added that they would seek the help of Governor Mangundadatu in linking them with potential sponsors in establishing the mini-hydropower plants.
“Our governor has friends in the business communities abroad. He can help us,” Sema said.
The representative will also reach out to the Department of Energy (DOE) in helping the local government units of the three towns in checking the feasibility of developing hydro power plants.
“Now is the time for us to make good in working with Malacañang towards that goal. If we can energize agricultural areas with renewable, environment-friendly facilities, productivity of farmers will improve tremendously,” Sema said.
She said the initiative was inspired by the launching of a 4.5 megawatt biomass in Buluan by the family of Gov. Esmael Mangundadatu and Green Earth Enersource Corporation.
The said power plant operates using oil palm plantation wastes from Buluan, Pandag, Paglat, Datu Paglas and SK Pendatun towns in Maguindanao.