By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
Currimao, Ilocos Norte—The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) has
finally signed a forest land use agreement (FLAg), allowing the use of about 60
hectares of forestland in Currimao town for the development of a solar energy
development project.
On June 20, 2012, the Ilocos
Norte government represented by Governor Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos applied
for FLAg at the DENR Regional office in San Fernando City in La Union to
occupy, manage and develop the forest land cover of Brgys. Bimmanga and
Salindeg-Paguludan in Currimao town for a period of 25 years and renewable for
another 25 years.
Provincial environment and
natural resources officer Juan delos Reyes along with the DENR Undersecretary
for field operations Demetrio Ignacio Jr. signed the agreement at the
provincial Capitol with Ms. Marcos.
Based on the six-page lease
agreement, the Ilocos Norte government shall submit within six months, upon
signing of the said agreement, a Comprehensive Development and Management Plan
(CMDP) for the FLAg area, subject for approval by the review committee.
As specified in the CMDP, the
solar energy project shall ensure the protection of the environment and
conservation of natural resources in the area and it should benefit among
others the host community.
Presidential Decree No. 705,
otherwise known as the “Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines” authorizes
the special use of forestlands for beneficial purposes which do not impair the
forest resources.
After conducting a series of
evaluation and assessment, the establishment of the solar energy farm in the
barren sand dunes of Currimao town near a forest park of fully-grown trees has
been found technically and financially feasible.
It may be recalled that in
November 2012, a Korean power firm, Mirae Asia Energy Corporation expressed
interest in developing a 20-megawatt solar farm in the area.
In point of fact, even the
Department of Energy has endorsed the project but up to this date, the company
has yet to secure all the necessary permits and commence with the construction
of the biggest solar development project in the country.
If not Mirae, Mr. Delos Reyes
said other solar energy developers are also planning to put up solar farms in
Currimao and in its neighboring towns.
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