Part of their benchmarking
TACLOBAN CITY – Officials from the provincial government of Benguet visited the wind power project site in San Isidro, Northern Samar, on August 30 as part of their benchmarking activities, according to the Provincial Information Office.
The Benguet delegation, accompanied by John Allen Berbon, chief of the Northern Samar Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) and Provincial Information Office, toured the 176-hectare renewable energy project.
This site spans several coastal villages, including Salvacion, San Juan, Palanit, Mabuhay, Veriato, and Caglanipao in San Isidro.
Known for its commitment to sustainable development, the Benguet delegation was keen to observe the advancements and operational strategies of the San Isidro Wind Power Project.
Spearheaded by Lihangin Wind Energy Corp (LWEC), this major renewable energy initiative features 33 wind turbine generators with a total capacity of 206.25 megawatts.
Currently in the construction phase, which began in the second quarter of this year, the project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
Once operational, it is projected to significantly contribute to the Philippines’ goal of achieving a 35% renewable energy share in the national energy mix by 2030.
“Integrating wind power infrastructure with thriving economic enterprises offers a compelling model for sustainable tourism development in Northern Samar,” Berbon said.
The Benguet officials, led by senior board member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes, expressed admiration for the project’s progress and its potential for both energy production and economic growth. They also discussed possible areas for collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance renewable energy initiatives in their province.
The Benguet delegation also visited some of the province’s popular tourist destinations like the Biri Rock Formation and the Lalaguna Mangrove Eco Park.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
