CATBALOGAN CITY — House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has praised the revival of the 1MW Amanjuray Hydropower Plant in Eastern Samar, stating that it would alleviate the province’s persistent electricity supply problem.
“We are optimistic that the restoration of the hydropower plant will help alleviate the suffering of Eastern Samar residents who have long endured frequent power outages and high electricity rates,” Libanan remarked.
Libanan emphasized the need for the Department of Energy to promote the development of small, eco-friendly renewable energy projects in rural areas to address the issue of rural electrification.
“The provision of reliable electricity services to rural barangays will undoubtedly create more economic opportunities for marginalized families, particularly those involved in agriculture and fishing, and enhance their quality of life,” Libanan added.
Having previously served as the representative of Eastern Samar’s lone congressional district for three consecutive terms, Libanan now serves as the 4Ps party-list representative.
He recently delivered the keynote address at the ceremonial blessing and inauguration of the Amanjuray hydropower plant in Barangay Bolusao, Lawaan Municipality.
The event was attended by Eastern Samar Vice Governor Maricar Goteesan, National Electrification Administration (NEA) chief Antonio Mariano Almeda, and Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative Inc. (ESAMELCO) general manager Jose Michael Edwin Amancio.
The Amanjuray hydropower plant is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric system that harnesses the energy from the flowing water of the Amanjuray Falls, one of the four waterfalls in the Bolusao River Watershed Forest Reserve.
Originally constructed by the NEA in 1991 with assistance from the United Kingdom, the facility was later transferred to ESAMELCO Renewable Energy Corp., which rehabilitated the system.
Following the inauguration of the Amanjuray hydropower plant, Libanan and other officials also attended the unveiling of ESAMELCO’s new 20MVA substation in Borongan City.
Last year, Libanan filed House Resolution No. 846, calling for a congressional inquiry into Eastern Samar’s power issues, which led to escalating electricity rates amid frequent outages.
