*Echague, Isabela* – Renewable energy company Rio Norte Hydropower Corporation (RNHC) kicked off the development of its19.7-megawatt run-of-river (ROR) hydro power project along the Ilaguen River through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the local officials of Isabela Province and Echague Municipality.
RNHC’s officers led by Executive Vice President Manolo Candelaria met with Echague Municipal Mayor Francis Dy, Isabela Provincial Governor Faustino Dy III, and San Miguel Barangay Captain Efren Santiago to seal the project.
“This hydro project is a welcome development in our municipality as it is expected to bring down the cost of electricity for my constituents as well as generate a host of beneficial programs,” said Mayor Dy.
RNHC Vice-President for Legal and Gov’t Affairs Clarence Jandoc shared that run-of-river power generation is considered one of the most environment-friendly energy methods available as it harnesses the natural flow of water to generate electricity. He explained that, “it produces nearly no greenhouse emissions”.
Located in Brgy San Miguel, Echague, RNHC’s hydro project is expected to supply 85 million kilowatts of energy per year to the cities of Cauayan and Santiago including the municipalities of Alicia, Angadanan, Cabatuan, Cordon, Echague, Jones, Luna, Ramon, Reina Mercedes, San Agustin, San Guillermo, San Isidro, and San Mateo.
Jandoc added that the project does not end with the development and construction of the hydropower project. To help the community, RNHC is also undertaking the development of an eco-tourism road and several community programs in the area.
“We will upgrade the existing provincial road from Brgy. Mabbayad to Brgy. San Miguel into an ‘all-weather road’ that will extend into a municipal road going toward the majestic Ilaguen River,” he said. He added, “we are also launching various social development programs in Echague to bring about sustainable livelihood and educational opportunities for the residents.
Host community Barangay San Miguel, meanwhile, expressed its appreciation for the benefits that will accrue to the residents.
“In behalf of the community, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Rio Norte for this additional support,” said San Miguel Barangay Captain Efren Santiago. “The road project will help improve our access to basic services like healthcare, markets, and schools. Once it is complete, we will be able to transport our products to the marketplace faster.”
“We are also looking forward to more livelihood and employment opportunities for the barangays. It’s wonderful that Rio Norte is now our neighbor,” he added.
Jandoc said that the project is in keeping with the company’s commitment to inclusive growth. “Empowering communities is the key to creating a healthy environment and an inclusive society.” he said.
“We are thankful for the welcome and steadfast support from the municipality and the province. We hope that our hydropower project will serve as a catalyst for economic development in Echague and will contribute to the entire province’s sustained growth. Wherever we go, we make sure to deliver this same commitment to help the community,” he added.
For his part, Governor Dy said, “the signing of these MOAs is an important milestone for Isabela. Overall, these projects are envisioned to help strengthen the economy of Echague and boost the eco-tourism industry in the province,” Governor Dy said.
RNHC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Citicore Renewable Energy Corporation, one of the leading renewable energy companies in the country.
