The Aboitiz Power Corporation, PV Sinag Power Inc, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Provincial Government of Pangasinan and Municipal Government of Bugallon celebrated online the ceremonial first day of construction of the P4.5 billion Cayanga Bugallon Solar Power Project on February 24.

The virtual groundbreaking ceremony was led by Aboitiz Renewables Inc. Vice President David Aboitiz, Executive Director Dave J. Smith, Power Generation Group Chief Operating Officer Alexander Coo, DENR Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentabella, Pangasinan Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III and Bugallon Mayor Priscilla “Mely” Espino.

“Aboitiz Power believes that the Province of Pangasinan is key to the energy revolution that is needed to disform the way our country looks at renewable energy resources,” the Aboitiz Power Generation Group COO said during the ceremony.

The Cayanga Bugallon Solar Power Project is in support of the government’s thrust of promoting renewable energy in the country.

The program, which aims to accelerate the decarbonization efforts in the country, is the first project of Aboitiz Power in the Province of Pangasinan.

Once completed, the solar power program is expected to produce 147 million kilowatt hours of clean energy annually, equivalent to the annual power consumption of 60,000 Filipino homes.

In his message, Pangasinan Governor Amado “Pogi” I. Espino III expressed his gratitude and support to the Aboitiz Power Corporation for the implementation of the project.

“Through this multi-billion project, we are truly blessed to cement our partnership with Aboitiz Power Corporation in harnessing the power of the sun to bring clean energy to our homes, our offices and our industries. On behalf of the Provincial Government of Pangasinan, we assure you of our full support in the implementation of this essential project,” said Gov. Espino.

The provincial chief executive added that the program will provide safe and renewable electric power that will benefit the next generations in the province.

“The virtual ground breaking ceremony formally starts our tie up to provide safe and renewable electric power to our people while at the same time, protecting our environment for the next generations to enjoy,” Gov. Espino said.

Likewise, Bugallon Mayor Mely Espino also thanked the Aboitiz Power for choosing their town in the construction of the program.

“I am very thankful to the Aboitiz Power Corporation for choosing Bugallon as the venue for their solar power project. It is an achievement of the people of Bugallon,” said Mayor Espino.

The Aboitiz Power Corporation is the largest owner and operator of renewable energy in the Philippines. /PJES