17 hours ago
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BAYOMBONG — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya has urged a thorough examination of the proposed 33.4-megawatt Pampang Hydroelectric Power Project (PHePP) by Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC).
The PHePP project, spanning the towns of Santa Fe in this province and San Nicolas in Pangasinan, requires careful consideration, Gov. Jose Gambito said.
Issues raised by the provincial government about the project's potential impact include the lack of consideration for the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System.
Another issue raised is the absence of ecosystem service payments for host local government units, as well as the missing Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) resolution endorsing the project.
Also raised by the provincial government is the uncertainty of delivering reliable and lower electricity rates and the benefits under Energy Regulation 1-94 and national wealth shares.
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The provincial government also questioned the proposed location of the powerhouse and switch yard in San Nicolas, Pangasinan, instead of Santa Fe in Nueva Vizcaya.
The hydro project will also utilize the river's flow which is subject to approval by the National Water Resources Board.
FDC representatives highlighted potential benefits, including improved power supply for Luzon, local job creation, and development opportunities for Indigenous peoples communities.
The company also clarified that the project is not a dam but a run-of-river system that would only utilize a portion of the river's flow, subject to approval by the National Water Resources.
