First District Congressman Atty. Edgar M. Chatto

The Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project (CBIP) is poised to transform the economic landscape of Bohol, according to First District Congressman Atty. Edgar M. Chatto, the province’s former governor.

In a recent interview with Ardy Araneta-Batoy over station DYTR, Chatto highlighted the project’s potential to attract investments, enhance energy reliability, and create jobs for local residents.

CBIP, a long-envisioned infrastructure initiative, links the islands of Cebu and Bohol through a high-voltage submarine cable. 

The project aims to connect substations in Argao, Cebu, and Maribojoc, Bohol, with a 230-kilovolt line capable of transporting 1,200 megawatts of power.

Chatto, who championed the project during his tenure as governor and chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC 7), continues to advocate for its successful implementation as a member of Congress. 

“This project is a game changer for Bohol,” Chatto said. “It will position our province as an attractive destination for investors and provide much-needed energy security for our people.”

The congressman’s optimism stems from the project’s potential to address Bohol’s persistent power challenges. 

For years, the province has grappled with unreliable electricity supply, often deterring potential investors and hampering economic growth.

With the CBIP nearing completion, coupled with a standby power facility in Ubay constructed by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), Bohol is on the brink of bidding farewell to chronic blackouts. 

The completion of these infrastructure projects, along with ongoing efforts by One Bohol Power to secure cost-effective energy sources, promises to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for the province.

Chatto didn’t shy away from addressing skeptics who questioned the CBIP’s feasibility. 

“Those who doubted the project should now reconsider,” he said firmly. 

Initially slated for completion by December 2024, the project has exceeded expectations by finishing ahead of schedule.

The early completion has silenced critics who questioned the ambitious timeline. 

“The doubting Thomases unwittingly criticized a project that was always on track to meet its goals,” Chatto added.

As CBIP becomes operational, Bohol is expected to shed its image as an isolated island at the periphery of the national power grid. Instead, it will integrate into a larger network, gaining access to diverse power sources that can fuel economic growth.

The project’s completion is timely, coinciding with increased investor interest in Bohol. 

The province, known for its pristine beaches, Chocolate Hills, and the iconic tarsier, has been working to diversify its economy beyond tourism. With a stable energy infrastructure now in place, investors can confidently explore opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology sectors.

Local business leaders have expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential impact.

“CBIP is a crucial step towards making Bohol more competitive. Reliable power is essential for attracting and retaining businesses, especially in sectors that require uninterrupted operations,” the Department of Energy (DOE) said.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), responsible for implementing the CBIP, has been providing regular updates on the project’s progress. 

In a recent statement, NGCP confirmed that power line from Cebu to Bohol, including the submarine cable, is now fully energized.

President Bongbong Marcos Jr., in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), announced the energization of CBIP, saying the project will further spur economic growth in the region.

Just last week, three international airlines from South Korea and China made a maiden flight to Bohol Panglao International Airport, signaling the revival of tourist influx to the province.

As Bohol prepares to enter a new era of energy stability, local officials are already planning for the anticipated economic boom. The provincial government is reviewing its investment policies and streamlining processes to capitalize on the expected influx of investor interest.

Chatto emphasized that the success of the CBIP should serve as a model for future infrastructure projects in the region. 

“This project demonstrates what we can achieve when local and national governments, private sector partners, and communities work together towards a common goal,” he said.

With CBIP’s completion, Bohol stands at the threshold of a new chapter in its development, Chatto said.

As the province prepares to harness the full potential of reliable power, the coming months will be crucial in determining how this long-awaited infrastructure project translates into tangible economic gains for the people of Bohol.

CHATTO WORKS WITH NGCP FROM THE VERY START: Former Bohol Governor’s Vision Drives Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project Toward Completion

To realize his vision of enhancing the power supply stability in Bohol, former Governor Edgar M. Chatto played a pivotal role in the initiation and development of the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project (CBIP). 

This ambitious P19-billion project, connecting the power grids of Cebu and Bohol, bolsters the energy infrastructure of both provinces, ensuring a reliable and efficient power supply amidst increasing demand.

CBIP was conceptualized during Chatto’s tenure as governor and chair of the Regional Development Council (RDC 7). 

Recognizing the urgent need for a more stable power supply, especially following the devastation caused by natural disasters such as the 2013 earthquake and Typhoon Yolanda, Chatto spearheaded efforts to establish a robust power interconnection. 

He emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach, engaging various stakeholders including the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and local government units to address logistical challenges and streamline project execution.

One of the key milestones in the project’s development was the establishment of a task force dedicated to resolving right-of-way issues, particularly in the Maribojoc area of Bohol. The initiative was crucial in facilitating the construction of the submarine cables that link the two provinces. The project features a 230-kilovolt line with a maximum capacity of 1,200 megawatts, designed to meet the growing power demands of Bohol, especially with the province’s rising tourism industry.

As the project progressed, Chatto maintained close coordination with NGCP, ensuring that all necessary permits and clearances were obtained in a timely manner. His proactive leadership was instrumental in overcoming several hurdles that threatened to delay the project’s completion. 

While the submarine cable and transmission line are already energized, the project is expected to be fully operational before December 2024, providing a crucial safety net for Bohol’s power supply.

In PBBM’s SONA, he highlighted the importance of CBIP, stating that it would not only improve the reliability of electricity in Bohol but also reduce electricity costs for consumers. The interconnection will allow Bohol to access bulk power from Cebu, alleviating the strain on the existing Leyte-Bohol submarine cable, which has been a bottleneck for power distribution.

The completion of CBIP is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for Bohol’s economic development. With a more stable and reliable power supply, the province is poised to attract further investments and support local businesses, ultimately fostering economic growth. 

Chatto’s vision and relentless efforts in advocating for this project have positioned Bohol as a key player in the country’s energy landscape, ensuring that the province is no longer at the end of the power loop but rather a vital link in the national grid.