Rehabilitated Ambuclao inauguration set Oct 27

By Joseph B Zambrano

BOKOD, Benguet - - The newly refurbished 105 megawatt Ambuclao Hyroelectric Power Plant will be inaugurated here on Oct. 27.

Lawyer Mike Hosillos, SN Aboitiz Power spokesperson and Vice President for Corporate Services said the official launching of the multi-million peso dam will include a christian blessings with an indigenous ritual to thank Kabunian (God.)

Expected to attend the occasion are Department of Energy Sec. Jose Rene Almendras, Benguet officials lead by Rep. Ronald Cosalan, Gov. Nestor Fongwan, Bokod Mayor Mauricio Macay and Itogon Mayor Oscar Camantiles.

SNAP delegates will be led by their President and Chief Executive Officer Manny Robio, Executive Vice President for Southeast Asia Erik Knive and EVP Power General Antonio Moran.

Hosillos said SNAP Benguet contributes to the economic development through the rehabilitation of Ambuklao HEPP, which went on-line on June 1, 2011 with the commercial operation of its Unit 3 turbine.

The SN Aboitiz Power acquired the Ambuklao and Binga dams from the Philippine government in 2008. The rehabilitation of Ambuklao plant to restore and increase its capacity started soon after, Hosillos explained.

During the 1950’s, the Ambuklao Dam was the highest in the Far East. It was made of earth and rock full which measures 129 meters in height and 452 meters in length.

Each spillway measured 12.5 by 12.5 and is 127 meters in length.

Aside from generating electric energy, the water held by the dam is used to irrigate agricultural fields. The dam helps minimize floods by absorbing the high peak flows by releasing water over a longer period, Hosillos added.

Fongwan said, “ We are happy that the mothballed Ambuclao HEPP is now in operations, it means additional economic growth for the province and giving livelihood and income to our people plus SN Aboitiz is a partner for environmental protection”.