KOKO OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO MINDANAO POWER SHORTAGE

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, PDP Laban President, today urged the national government to address the looming power crisis in Mindanao with short, medium and long-term solutions.

"We should tackle the power crisis in Mindanao in a comprehensive and holistic way, with government and the private sector working in close partnership," Pimentel said.

For the short-term, the lawmaker said, the government should maximize the use of existing power plants through interim markets and build cost-effective renewable energy plants run by hydroelectric and biomass power.

For the medium term, the thrust should be the rehabilitation of the Agus-Pulangi hydro-electric power plants.

And for the long-term, the lawmaker said, the government should encourage construction of more baseload power plants that can handle the increased requirements of Mindanao.

The entire Mindanao, Pimentel pointed out, is witnessing rapid urbanization and industrialization. Thus, the need for more electric power plants that can operate efficiently without sacrificing environmental protection.

Pimentel said ensuring adequate electricity supply for both residential and industrial users is imperative since the socio-economic development of Mindanao could accelerate with the restoration of peace already a distinct possibility as the formal peace talks between the government and the MILF are proceeding smoothly.

"We should move decisively to meet both the current and future electricity needs of Mindanao. With peace in the horizon, it should be much easier to propel economic growth and social progress with the construction of more power generation facilities," Pimentel said.