Bohol officials and energy executives broke ground Tuesday on an 8.4-megawatt solar power farm in Bohol province, marking a remarkable step in the province’s push toward renewable energy.
The facility, developed by Urban Energy Development Corporation (UEDC), a subsidiary of Mabuhay Power Holdings Corp., will span 10 hectares across Tagbilaran City’s Barangay Dampas and parts of Baclayon municipality.
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado said the project is crucial for the province’s development plans, particularly the conversion of the former airport into an Information Technology Park.
“With this new facility being constructed by Mabuhay Power, this will tell us that there’s a future for Tagbilaran and Bohol,” Aumentado said at the ceremony. “As we convert our old airport into an IT Park, we need more power.”
Mabuhay Power Chairman Sherwin Hing indicated this is just the first of several planned energy investments in the province.
“This 8.4-megawatt facility is just the start. We are already securing sites for two more near-term solar projects here,” Hing said.
The project aims to enhance energy stability while supporting local employment and economic growth in Bohol, which is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and Chocolate Hills geological formation.
Bohol Light Company President Roel Castro promised the new power source would be managed effectively to reduce electricity costs for consumers.