The Northern Samar provincial government sent an economic team to Ilocos Norte to study its renewable energy projects and maximize their impact on the province’s social development.
The benchmarking activity was undertaken amid investors’ increasing interest in setting up renewable projects in Northern Samar.
Quintin Saludaga, chairperson of the Northern Samar provincial board’s committee on energy, utilities and franchises, said the benchmarking was designed to help establish policies that would guide potential locators and support the province’s development.
Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Northern Samar Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office, said the province currently has eight renewable energy projects in various pre-development stages. He said the provincial government is committed to ensuring a welcoming environment for investors.
The provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) warmly welcomed the Northern Samar delegation and organized a series of meetings to support their mission.
Specifically, the Northern Samar economic team visited the Wind Power Project in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte of ACEN Renewables.
ACEN Renewables runs two wind power projects in Pagudpud alone: the 81-megawatt North Luzon Renewables and the 10-megawatt Pagudpud Wind.
Jay Gaspar, ACEN Renewables’ community development officer, led the discussion and provided insights into the corporate social responsibility initiatives available to potential locators.
The Northern Samar economic team explored possible government support mechanisms and learned about best practices adopted by PGIN in successfully partnering with the private sector.
The team also toured the wind facility in Pagudpud, which gave them a firsthand look at the turbines and operations in the area.