Mirant, DOE sign pacts to energize Luzon towns

Mirant Philippines Corp., through Mirant Philippines Foundation, and the Department of Energy signed the final memorandum of agreements for the electrification of 129 barangays in the province of Albay representing the remaining barangays in Luzon expected to be energized under Mirant’s P1-billion Rural Electrification Program in support of the government’s "O-Ilaw Program."

"Electrification of these barangays and sitios will help spur the economic activity in the province and, in conjunction with the seaport, will bring Albay closer to economic viability," said Rep. Joey S. Salceda of the 3rd District of Albay and signatory to the MOA.

He added that "what has been a problem for decades will be finally addressed with the 100 percent electrification not only of the barangays in the third district but all barangays in the province of Albay."

Energy Secretary Vincent Perez Jr., who has been leading the government‘s efforts for the full energization of the country, led government officials and private sector representatives in the signing ceremony held in Polangui, Albay the other day. He was joined by Rolly Quilala, senior vice president of the National Power Corp., Frederick Kuester, CEO Mirant Asia-Pacific Ltd., Edgardo Bautista, president, Mirant Philippines and the mayors and other local government officials of the province.

The Department of Energy’s "O-Ilaw Program" aims to increase the level of electrification in the country to 100 percent by the year 2006.