Blissful smiles laid in the eyes of the MCOs in Higatangan Island after Engr. Gerardo Oledan, General Manager of BILECO confirmed an additional 3 hour-power supply from the current 5-hour power in the island during the First General Assembly and Public Consultation held at Higatangan Island Beach Resort in Brgy. Mabini, Higatangan on July 19, 2019, Friday.
It can be recalled that BILECO recently conducted this year the ceremonial switch- on of the Higatangan Microgrid Project donated by the Korean representatives from the ELT Korea Company that assured 24 hour- power service in the island.
However, after several times of testing, the Koreans found out that the equipment experienced technical problems due to the damage incurred while on its way to the island. The transport of the heavy equipment way back December in 2018 has never been easy that challenged the line patrol men physically while combating with the inclement weather that time.
In his message, Engr. Oledan provided updates on the Microgrid Project and reported to the MCOs that Koreans are set to come back in Higatangan to replace the damaged equipment.
Despite that, the MCOs in Higatangan are still thankful to ELT Korea for allowing them to use the existing generator for their power supply. But what makes them even more excited is the announcement on the possibility of the 8-hour power supply in the island which will be implemented the moment the Board of Directors approve said request.
During the General Assembly, with around 45% attendance of the total MCOs in Higatangan, Engr. Oledan also presented the proposed project on the construction and installation of submarine electric cable distribution lines in the island. The general manager believed that the submarine electric cable is the ultimate solution in providing reliable, quality, and cheaper electric service to its member- consumers.
The general assembly was also participated in by the Board of Directors namely Dir. Alberto Espregante, Dir. Dino Peñaflor and Dir. Jasper Maderazo. It was also graced by Councilor Eduardo Gaviola, SB Member of Naval and Chairman on Committee on Public Utilities and Services.
Both barangays; the BLGU – Mabini and BLGU – Libertad are positive enough that this project will be realized with the strong support of the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA), BILECO, Local and the Provincial Government. It is also believed that said project will pave the way to new developments in the island of Higatangan and will answer to the call of the MCOs for the improvement of its power supply and quality of service.
