3 weeks ago
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LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte — Residents of this historic island will soon enjoy a whole day supply of electricity, thanks to the solar light project by the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC).
PNOC President and CEO Oliver Bulatid told The Manila Times that his office has set aside funds for the establishment of a 100-kilowatt Solar farm in Limasawa island in order to provide a stable supply of electricity to the residents.
Butalid said Limasawa island is one of the 14 islands that will be installed with solar lights projects under the "Bright Islands Initiative" of the PNOC. He said the project is expected to be implemented this second quarter or early next year.
"We will be embarking on this initiative called 'Bright Islands Project' to lessen the cost of producing electricity and help the environment through reducing carbon emission," said Butalid.
He explained that they will prioritize the 14 islands of the Visayas in providing stable and less costly electricity in coordination with the National Power Corp. (NPC) which runs diesel plants in the islands and sell it to the electric cooperative.
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Butalid said the project aims to provide cheap electricity in areas not served by the private sector in order to spur economic developments and progress in the remote islands.
Butalid and PNOC Director Joel Caminade visited the island as special guests during the 504th First Mass celebration last March 31, 2025, upon the invitation of Southern Leyte Gov. Damian Mercado and Vice Gov. Rosa Amelia Mercado.
The visiting PNOC officials who were accompanied by Southern Leyte Board Member Virgilio Mortera were welcomed by Governor Mercado, Vice Governor Mercado and Mayor Melchor Petracorta who expressed their appreciation for including the island of Limasawa in the project.
The island of Limasawa, site of the First Mass held on March 31, 1521, is home to more than 6,000 residents coming from six villages, most of them draw livelihood from fishing and farming.
The island is about an hour of sea travel from Padre Burgos town or a two-hour boat ride from the capital city of Maasin.
