NPC powers up Pag-asa, Kalayaan Island on Independence Day

The National Power Corporation (NPC) today, June 12 switches on its 300kW power plant in Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan Island Group at the West Philippine Sea as the country celebrates its 123rd Independence Day.

The Flag Raising Rite and switching on ceremony has been graced by Lt. Rey S. Tibay, Commanding Officer of the Naval Station Emilio Liwanag/Joint Task Unit in Pag-asa Island and Ms. Corazon Claridad from the Municipality of Kalayaan. Barangay and military officials, representatives from government agencies and some residents were also present to witness the momentous event.

NPC has allotted 33 million pesos for the project that covered the supply, delivery and installation of the diesel generating sets, its 13.8 kV distribution line and the fuel oil storage tanks that will ensure continuous fuel supply.
“Following the successful series of test and commissioning of the facility early this week, we have seen that it is only fitting to formally switch on the power plant as the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Kalayaan residents raise the Philippine Flag on the island on Independence Day,” said NPC President and CEO Pio J. Benavidez.
Kalayaan Diesel Power Plant will provide round the clock power to the 68 facilities (housing facilities, government establishments and military camps) connected to the local distribution line.

Kalayaan Island, a fifth-class municipality under the Provincial Government of Palawan, has an airport runway, a daycare center, an elementary school, a fish landing center, a naval port, a municipal health center, and a couple of government offices like Comelec and Pagasa weather station. It opened to civilian settlement in 2002.