PBBM: Isabela Ground Mounted Solar Project to bolster PH energy sources

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted on Monday the significance of the Isabela Ground Mounted Solar Project (IGMSP) in securing the country’s energy sources.

According to President Marcos, the project is expected to strengthen the national grid and assure the Philippines of a renewable energy-secure future.

“This project is not only about transforming the energy landscape in Isabela; it is [also] about strengthening our entire national grid [and] moving us closer to a resilient and renewable energy-secure future,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos made the remarks during the ceremonial signing of the Connection Agreement between the National Grip Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the San Ignacio Energy Resources Development Corporation (SIERDC) in Ilagan City, Isabela.

He said the IGMSP is the country’s “another very important step towards a future where sustainable energy powers ”every home, drives the country’s economic growth, and improves the quality of life for every Filipino.”

The Chief Executive noted that with an investment of PhP18 billion, the Philippines is looking at generating about 440 megawatts of clean energy amounting to 700 gigawatts per annum, “which is a very significant amount.”

He said the construction phase of the project will generate around 4,000 job opportunities, boosting the country’s economy and improving the lives of many Filipino families.

With this, President Marco extended his gratitude and congratulations to the Provincial Government of Isabela, NGCP and SIERDC “for their dedication and hard work to realize the IGMSP.

“Your hard work and commitment are truly commendable. I express my gratitude as well to the French government and TotalEnergies for their invaluable contribution to this undertaking,” President Marcos said.

“Your commitment to renewable energy development in the Philippines shows the importance of international cooperation in tackling global challenges. For this project and other similar endeavors to succeed, we need to expedite the necessary permits and ensure full regulatory compliance,” he added.

The IGMSP is located in Barangays Cabannungan 2nd, Arusip, Bagong Silang, and Pilar in Ilagan City, Isabela. It has an estimated project cost of PhP18 billion. Construction is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2024. The project is ready for commercial operations by second quarter of 2026. |PND