Binga Dam to boost Benguetgrowth

By Joseph B Zambrano

ITOGON, Benguet --The near completion of the rehabilitation of Binga Dam by SN Aboitiz Power (SNAP) Benguet Inc. would boost   economic and tourism activities in this  gold-rich  municipality and outlying communities of Benguet.

            Mayor Oscar Camantiles said rehabilitation of Binga Hydro Electric Power plant will be finished next year and would generate 120 megawatts power.

            This will give the municipality extra income from taxes coming from SNAP.

            “Binga Dam has its own beauty to offer to tourists. We can introduce boating and kayaking in

coordination with SNAP,” Camantiles said.

            Snap-Benguet recently received its Certificate of Compliance for its Binga Hydroelectric Power Plant (HEPP) Unit 4 turbine, which was refurbished and upgraded from 25 megawatts (MW) to 31.45 MW.

            The certificate issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)  which is good for five years  signifies   compliance with requirements of energy laws, orders and regulations.

            Meanwhile, the amended tax code of Itogon has boosted the tax collection  for the first quarter of 2012. According to Camantiles,  they were unsure if the amended tax code would be accepted by the residents  as it means additional payment but he noted the willingness of taxpayers to pay   their taxes  if they see where their money go and there is improvement in the system of payment.