Aquino creates Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III has approved the creation of a monitoring body to improve the power situation in Mindanao, Malacañang announced on Thursday, August 2.

The President created through Executive Order 81 the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) to facilitate all initiatives aimed at improving the energy supply in the Mindanao.

The Mindanao Development Authority will oversee the MPMC. Other members of the MPMC are the Department of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

Representatives from the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives are likewise asked to become MPMC members.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said in a statement that under E0 81 the coordinating body will monitor, harmonize and integrate recommendations to address the concerns of the Mindanao power industry sector.

“The President approved the formation of the MPMC since there is a need for a team or a body that will study the feasibility of recommendations to address the power situation in Mindanao. It will ensure that coordination and monitoring are in place to better the power situation in Mindanao,” Ochoa said.

Mr. Aquino directed the MPMC to develop a database on pertinent information regarding the power sector in Mindanao, assess the energy situation in the region and evaluate the viability of the recommendations put forward following the Mindanao power summit, among others.

Ochoa said initial funding for MPMC will come from the contingent fund and other sources that may be determined by the Department of Budget and Management; it’s subsequent budget will be incorporated in the regular appropriation for MinDA.

Meanwhile, the President informed members of the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, Inc. (Philreca) that by year-end, a total 6,007 more sites in remote areas in the country would enjoy power supply.

Speaking at Philreca’s 33rd Annual General Membership Meeting the Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City, Mr. Aquino said that from October 2011 to July of this year, 2,400 more sitios have already been electrified. – Rappler.com