MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has lauded the assistance of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the development of the company’s critical transmission projects.
NGCP commended DILG for its proactive support and assistance extended in coordinating with local government units (LGUs) affected by critical transmission projects.
According to the power transmission operator, the support of the DILG played a crucial role in the completion of several critical projects of the company.
NGCP said the DILG was able to help secure 26 building permits from affected LGUs which are traversed by the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project since the company started its coordination with the agency.
It said the DILG’s assistance was also crucial in securing 42 building permits, 45 locational clearances, and eight barangay clearances for the completion of the Hermosa-San Jose 500-kilovolt line.
NGCP has cited right-of-way and permitting as among the biggest challenges in completing its projects.
“The usual chokepoints for our projects are the procurement of right-of-way and the issuance of permits from local governments and other government agencies,” NGCP said.
While the company has been diligent in completing the items needed from its end to secure the required clearances, NGCP said timely permit processing remains one of the bigger stumbling blocks to on-time project completion.
“Considering the urgency of our projects, we greatly appreciate DILG’s support to fast-track the release of the needed permits,” NGCP said.
“We are grateful for the assistance of (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos who has extended us every accommodation. He went as far as appointing assistant secretary Odie Pasaraba who has been invaluable to us in our coordination with the LGUs,” it said.
NGCP reiterated the need for a whole of government approach in pushing for the completion of projects in the energy sector.
“From planning to implementation, with timely action from the regulator, holistic planning within the power sector, and support from other relevant government agencies, NGCP is confident of its capability to build a smart and resilient power grid,” the company said.
NGCP holds a 25-year concession and a 50-year congressional franchise to expand and operate the country’s power transmission grid.
As the country’s sole power grid operator, it has significantly expanded the country’s transmission network since it took over transmission operations from the government in 2009.