The Western Mindanao Power Corporation (WMPC) donated ₱ 16,078,066.27 to the city government for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) response Wednesday afternoon at City Hall.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco Salazar personally received the check representing the city government from WMPC officials led by WMPC plant manager, Engr. Jose Marie T. Torrejon.
This was given base on Energy Regulations No. (ER) 1-94. The amount given was based on the electricity sales of WMPC.
Engr. Jose Marie T. Torrejon, WMPC Plant Manger, told press the money will be used by the city to help fight Covid-19 such for vaccine purchase.
“They can use this for Covid response.” Torrejon said.
The government will just have to submit to WMPC how they intend to use the funds and they will recommend to Department of Energy.
Energy Regulations No. (ER) 1-94 is a policy under the Department of Energy Act of 1992 and Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA) which stipulates that host communities and Cities will get a share of one centavo for every kilowatt-hour (₱ 0.01/kWh) generated by power plants operating in its area.
The funds generated can be used by host beneficiaries for the electrification of areas or households that have no access to power, development and livelihood programs, as well as reforestation, watershed management, health, and environmental enhancement initiatives.
WMPC is not only helping the city government but also their host barangay Sangali, where their power plant is located.
WMPC is part of the Alsons Group of Companies to also include San Ramon Power Incorporated. (R.G. Antonet A. Go, photo courtesy of Public Information Office)