Another 300-megawatt (MW) solar project will soon rise in Barangays Bacsil and Mumulaan in Paoay, Ilocos Norte to help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuel.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) unanimously approved on Monday Resolution No. 2025-03-432 granting support and endorsement to Opus Solar Energy Corp. to undertake the project.
“The solar project will not only increase the energy generated from the province but will also translate into a diversified energy source beyond fossil fuels, generating not only power, but also jobs, revenue, livelihood, and attraction to thousands of curious tourists,” board member Franklin Dante Respicio said in sponsoring the resolution along with the Committee on Laws.
Respicio said the local government unit of Paoay, including the host barangays, has earlier expressed support for the project.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources initially identified at least 200 hectares of forest land that is feasible for the project.
The solar project is part of the PHP75-billion worth of new investments in clean energy that received green lane certification from the Board of Investments.
The government launched the Green Lane Program through President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 18 issued in February 2023. The program aims to expedite, streamline, and automate government approval and registration processes for investments deemed by the government as a priority.
So far, the BOI has registered 184 projects under the program.
Meanwhile, the board also approved Provincial Resolution No. 2025-03-431 authorizing Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc to enter into a memorandum of agreement with Opus Solar Energy Corp. for the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities for the social and economic development of the province.
Under the program, Opus has committed to allocate PHP11.7 million worth of CSR projects that include educational scholarship program for elementary and high school students of host communities.
Before the passage of a resolution of endorsement and support, the Ilocos Norte board requires all business investors in the province to submit their proposed CSR projects to ensure the maximum benefits to host communities.
By Leilanie Adriano(PNA)