Entrepreneurial Farmer

Ambrosio R. Villorente

Congratulations! Gov. and Cong.

This column cong-ratulates Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores for their successful negotiation with the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the Energy Regulatory Commission on the matter of extending the supply of electricity for Aklan via Akelco. Marquez and Miraflores with the active participation of Gen. Mgr. Chito Peralta were able to get 85 percent of Aklan’s electricity requirement.

The 85 percent supply will be until Dec. 31, 2009 only. Beginning January 1, 2010, the supply from NPC will be reduced to 40 percent only of the requirement which will end until December 31, 2010. This is calculated, Akelco will have enough time to source its supply from independent power producers.

Global Business Power Corp

Asked where will we get the other 15 percent electricity requirement, Marquez pointed to the Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC). According to him, GBPC has power generating plants in Nabas and New Washington which can produce from 2 to 2.5 million kilowatt hours a month if it is in full operation. 4 Four Million Kilowatt Hours Contract But as provided in the Amended Electric Power Purchase Agreement with Akelco, GBPC will collect payment from Akelco for four million kilowatt hours supplied.

This is now the time to compel GBPC to supply Akelco with the minimum 4 million kilowatt hours per month. Why is Akelco paying GBPC good for 4 million kilowatt hours when its generating capacity is only 2 – 2.5 million monthly?

P185 Million For Libacao

During "Triumph over Frank" celebration on June 21, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez informed this column that the Dept. of Budget and Management has released the sum of P185 million to be spent in the Municipality of Libacao for the preliminary jobs to be done leading to the construction of a hydro power project in that municipality. However, he does not know the details of the projects. Further, he does not know who is in-charge of the project. "As head of a local government unit, the Governor should know, but I do not," Marquez said.

On the status of the "Paglaum Fund" to be used in the rehabilitation of damages by typhoon Frank, Marquez revealed the bill appropriating the rehabilitation fund is approved in the House of Representatives. However, it is pending in the Senate Committee being chaired by Sen. Panfilo Lacson. Nevertheless, Malacañang has released P100 million for the rehabilitation of typhoon damage.

The money is released to the Dept. of Public Works and Highways. However, Gov. Marquez does not know the project for which the money will be spent. What of which to rehabilitate? /MP