Energization of Kalinga town starts with survey

By Peter A. Balocnit

TANUDAN, Kalinga -- Electrification of hinterland barangays of this municipality has started with power line survey at Baccong-Gumbowoy (Pangol) and Mabaca-Taloctoc –Mangali-Banagao for grid connection.

According to Mayor JohnwellTiggangay, the municipal local government unit provided P500,000 for the survey of Pangol and assured counterpart fund for the Mabaca-Mangali energy line.

“This is aside from the energization through micro-hydro and solar power source of sitios that are impossibly to be connected to the main grid,” Tiggangay said.

He added energization must be simultaneous with road opening in order to bring development to the communities.

He said Tanudan is also a source of renewable energy with its vast water resource.
Development of micro-hydro power in Lower Mangali is ongoing.

He said the LGU will provide P200,000.00 fund assistance counterpart to augment the P240,000.00 of the barangay for the completion of the power plant.

KagawadMarcialBongnal of Lower Mangali said they are now purchasing the needed materials and the turbine to generate 6-10 kw power from the Madangngog brook.

He said construction of the canal and the forebay has already been done and installation of posts and wiring to follow.

Meanwhile, Brandy Bitalan of the Kalinga-Apayao State College – Affiliated Renewable Energy Center said the proposed Taloctoc micro-hydro project that will draw power from the Buaya creek is undergoing feasibility study.

On the other hand, social preparation for the proposed mini-hydro power plant along the Tanudanriver is also on-going. Residents of Taloctoc who are directly affected by the project were earlier consulted, however, no agreement has yet been reached with the proponents. -- PIA