Aklan’s Executive Briefing Emphasizes Power Needs

By Venus G. Villanueva

The urgent need for a stable but affordable power supply in Aklan was emphasized at the executive briefing held at Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Training Center, Kalibo.
The executive briefing was the second in a series of briefings set in the provinces of Panay and Guimaras. The holding of briefing is a project of the Office of the Presidential Assistant (PA) for Panay and Guimaras, the Philippine Information Agency and the Regional Association of National Government Agencies (RANGE). The briefing involved a presentation by the province of its programs of action with the aim that Aklan and the line agencies could identify areas of mutual concern and how best they can work together to achieve their common objectives.
PA for Panay and Guimaras Raul Banias led the party from the region for the briefing, with some 28 regional directors and 5 assistant reginal directors who joined him coming from various national government agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations. The province of Aklan was represented by Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Sang-guniang Panlalawigan members and municipal mayors. Heads and representatives of government agencies of Aklan national and local, also attended the briefing.
PA Banias emphasized in his speech the need for a stable power supply as a very urgent problem in Panay. The island is at the tail end of the power distribution from Leyte. Boracay Island is also at the tail end of power distribution in Aklan.
PA Banias said, power supply and distribution are affected by the rising cost of fuel but the government is now looking for solutions, like the development of hydro resources and scouting for investors to develop power sources.
Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez echoed the same sentiment. Stable power supply would enable Aklan to store its agriculture produce to be marketed to Boracay Island, the region and some neighboring provinces, Marquez pointed out.
“We cannot operate or put up cold storage facilities for our meat, fish and vegetables because of insufficient electricity,” Governor Marquez said, in answer to Department of Agriculture Regional Director Nacionales’ challenge to Aklan to produce vegetables and fruits like bananas which are highly in demand in Boracay and in nearby provinces.
The need for a steady and affordable power supply in Aklan is also the first concern asked during the open forum after PA Banias’ talk. Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Rodson Mayor asked the question.
In Aklan, much hope is pinned on the development of the Timbaban Hydroelectric Power Project in Madalag, which could supply the power needs of Aklan and neighboring provinces if constructed and operated.Ongoing and future infrastructure projects in Aklan, job opportunities/employment, agricultural productivity and support programs from the DA, irrigation services, bank lending for local government units and small and medium enterprises and Brontispa infestation control in Boracay Island were also discussed. /MP