• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The groundbreaking of the P50-billion solar power project, with Phase 1 located in Barangay Luna, Cadiz City, is set on July 24, Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. said.
The landmark development, spearheaded by South Cleanergy Inc. – a subsidiary of Aboitiz Renewables Inc. under AboitizPower – will span roughly 400 hectares across two barangays.
Once fully realized, the project will generate between 600 and 700 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity, marking one of the largest single renewable energy investments in Negros Occidental.
“Of all the places in Negros Occidental, they chose Cadiz. It only means that Cadiz is ready to host big-ticket investments – not only in energy, but also in other businesses that generate income and opportunities” the mayor said.
The project is expected to create thousands of local construction and operational jobs while significantly boosting city revenues, Escalante said.
He added that the additional tax yields will directly support municipal social welfare programs, including the city’s flagship “Walang Gutom” feeding initiative.
Escalante said expected to attend the groundbreaking rites are Aboitiz Renewables Inc. chief executive officer Jimmy Villaroman and chief growth officer David Mikel Aboitiz. | GPB
