ORMOC CITY– Host communities of Energy Development Corporation (EDC) geothermal facilities in Leyte are set to benefit from P20.38 million in power-generation revenues released to the provincial and local governments for development projects.
The amount, representing EDC’s share of the Energy Regulation 1-94 (ER 1-94) benefits for the first quarter of 2026, was allocated to the province of Leyte, Ormoc City, Kananga and their host barangays.
The ER 1-94 program provides financial benefits to local governments and communities hosting power-generation facilities.
Beginning January 2026, the benefit increased from P0.01 to P0.03 for every kilowatt-hour of electricity generated, resulting in higher allocations for host communities.
In Ormoc City, the funds will be used to repair the learning center in Barangay Cagbuhangin and install solar-powered streetlights in Barangay Catmon.
In Kananga, the allocation will finance the construction of a community stage and a view deck intended to support local tourism development.
EDC has provided more than P314.87 million in ER 1-94 funds for projects in Eastern Visayas from 2018 to 2025, according to the company.
The funds have supported infrastructure and community development projects, including roads, flood-control facilities, water systems, health facilities, streetlights, waste-management initiatives and livelihood programs.
The company said the increased ER 1-94 rate of P0.03 per kilowatt-hour is expected to generate additional funding for Ormoc, Kananga and other host communities, enabling them to undertake more development projects and improve public services.
ER 1-94 is a government program that provides financial benefits to communities hosting power-generation facilities. The funds are intended to support development projects in host local government units and barangays, with allocations typically directed toward infrastructure, social services, environmental programs and livelihood initiatives.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA/ROEL T.AMAZONA)
