‘Alyansa’ senatorial candidates vow help in solving Bacolod power woes

The administration-backed Senate slate, the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, has committed to help solve electricity supply issues in Bacolod City, vowing to ensure energy security and affordability through long-term planning.

Campaign manager Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco said the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates will work to make the country achieve better grid management and enable investment in alternative energy sources.

“Our Alyansa ticket ensures that necessary funding and policies are provided to support needed infrastructure and other efforts to attain energy security and to make electricity accessible and affordable to all,” Tiangco emphasized.

The Alyansa team includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Senator Pia Cayetano, former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Lito Lapid, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Representative and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.

Last year, Bacolod City and areas adjacent to the Negros Island Region (NIR) were hit by blackouts and rotational brownouts amid transmission and power supply woes.

The electricity supply disruption did not only affect households and offices as it also stopped the operation of pumping stations resulting in water shortage.

The NIR have abundant renewable energy sources. However, a big portion of its power supply comes from coal and diesel.

The Alyansa senatorial candidates pledged to push accelerated renewable energy development to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

“The administration’s Senate slate for 2025 is intent on a vision for a modern, inclusive, and globally competitive Philippines that is driven by economic transformation, social progress, and good governance,” he added.

Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023-2050 is a priority energy blueprint to guide stakeholders on the government’s vision of a secure and sustainable electricity supply future for the country.

The realization of this energy development agenda is seen to benefit communities, bring about economic growth, and improve the well-being of Filipinos.

The PEP 2023-2050 includes “aggressive targets for renewable energy deployment, higher energy efficiency goals, and promotion of diverse energy technologies and solutions,” according to the Department of Energy.

Amid environmental challenges, including climate change, the PEP 2023-2050 likewise seeks to establish a resilient and climate-proof energy infrastructure to ensure the protection of the country’s energy supply security and reliability.* (PR)