TACLOBAN CITY– Residents of Borongan City may soon enjoy significantly lower electricity bills as the city government pushes forward with its ambitious hydroelectric energy project in Barangay San Gabriel.
Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, speaking during the city’s 18th Charter Day Gala Night on June 20, reaffirmed his commitment to deliver on one of his major campaign promises—tapping renewable energy sources to power Borongan and bring down the cost of electricity.
Agda cited a Department of Energy (DOE) survey confirming that the inner river in Sitio San Gabriel can produce up to one megawatt of clean, renewable energy.
As an initial step, the city will tap the Calingatngan Dam, which can generate up to 480 kilowatt-hours, with future plans to develop San Mateo, which has a potential output of 7 to 9 megawatts.
“If households today pay around P14.00 per kilowatt-hour, the power from San Gabriel hydro could cut that down to as low as P7.00,” Agda said. “That’s a 50% savings—money that could go to food, school, or health expenses.”
To support the project, the city has already begun constructing an access road to the remote sitio where the hydro facility will be located.
Mayor Agda called on all stakeholders to support the initiative, saying the success of the renewable energy program hinges on collaboration between the local government, communities, and national agencies.
Aside from the hydro project, Agda also plans to strengthen the Calingatngan Dam not just for power generation, but also to expand access to potable water in the city proper and surrounding barangays. While the city has begun providing water to Barangay Bugas, Agda emphasized the need for a 24/7 water supply across all areas.
“We’ve made progress, but we want every household to have consistent, year-round access to clean water,” he said.
With both power and water infrastructure in the pipeline, the city government hopes to improve the quality of life for Boronganons while reducing utility costs and promoting sustainable development.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
