EDC affirms commitment to deliver power to Negros in 2010
BACOLOD CITY -- The Energy Development Corporation (EDC) has affirmed its commitment to deliver power to the Negrenses by 2010.
It is doing fine in its development works at the buffer zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, said Erwin Magallanes, EDC Senior Supervisor for Environmental Management Department.
The road construction has already reached 1,600 kms and the leveling of pad is already 30% - 35% completed.
This will be an all weather road and they hope to finish it by December.
EDC has only cut 12 century old trees instead of the 34 out of the 4,213 trees.
"It is our commitment to lessen the number of trees to be cut," he said.
EDC has employed a lot of residents in the area in its development works.
In its reforestation efforts, Magallanes said that they have reforested 40 hectares in 2007 and 95 hectares this year. Since 1994, EDC has reforested 536 hectares, using premium endemic species.
As early next year, they will start the drilling operation. Within 75 days, "We will know how much power we could get from the buffer zone. We are 100% sure that we could get what we have targeted in the buffer zone," he said.
Magallanes also reported that the clean up efforts in the existing plant will be completed by January or February next year. "We could save at least 2 months from the 9 months timeline we have projected for the clean up of the existing production field."
EDC also continued to enhance the livelihood, scholarships and employment opportunities in its host barangays and residents.