POWER transmission operator NGCP commends the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for its proactive support and assistance extended in coordinating with local government units (LGUs) affected by several critical transmission projects.
NGCP says the support of the DILG played a very important role in the completion of several critical projects of the company.
Since NGCP’s coordination with the DILG, the agency was able to help secure 26 building permits from affected LGUs which are traversed by the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project. The DILG’s assistance was also crucial in securing 42 building permits, 45 locational clearances, and 8 barangay clearances for the completion of the Hermosa-San Jose 500kV Line.
“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. While we have been diligent in completing the items needed from us to secure the required clearances, timely permit processing unfortunately 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 explained. “We are grateful for the assistance of Sec. Benhur Abalos who has extended us every accommodation. He went as far as appointing Asst. Sec. Odie Pasaraba who has been invaluable to us in our coordination with the LGUs,” stated the company.
NGCP emphasized 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.|
