JASAAN, Misamis Oriental — The Agutayan Watchtower and Light House Project is inaugurated today at the Agu tayan white island in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.
The project is a joint undertaking of the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, the Department of Energy (DOE), STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) and the local government unit (LGU) of Jasaan. Misa-mis Oriental Governor
Bambi Emano, together with SPI President and CEO Dr. Bodo Goerlich lead the inauguration rites. The watchtower is a two-storey structure with a total floor area of about 84 sq.m. It has an observation deck equip-ped with a solar-powered LED lighting system.
Project cost of P6.6 million was taken out of the Misamis Oriental provincial government’s share in a social fund that accrues from the electricity sales of energy-firm STEAG State Power Inc. (SPI) pursuant to ER 1-94 of the Department of Energy (DOE).
Virtually a sandbar surrounded by green waters teeming with marine life, Agutayan Island is located some five kilometer off the coast in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental.
It is one of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Misamis Oriental, with approximately 5,000 square meters of white sand that sits on a 4.5 hectare marine sanctuary that provides a favourable breeding ground for endangered marine species.
As an MPA, Agutayan Island is essential for the attainment of a healthy balance of marine bio-diversity for the entire expanse of the Macajalar Bay. It is home to several giant clams and other endangered marine species.
Considered as one of the priorities of the provincial government’s eco-tourism development programs, the Agutayan Watch Tower Project is an affirmation of a vibrant partnership between the government and the private sector geared towards attaining a more balanced development in the Macajalar Bay area.
SPI President and CEO Dr. Bodo Goerlich reaffirms the company’s commitment to responsible business practices at the same time supporting efforts in community development and environmental conservation.
“We reaffirm our commitment to help improve the quality of life of the people especially in our host communities in Misamis Oriental not only through the electric power that we supply, but also through our various community development and environmental conservation programs,” Dr. Goerlich said.
SPI owns and operates the 210 MW (net) Min-danao Coal-Fired Power Plant located along the coast of Villanueva in Misamis Oriental. It currently provides around 18% of Minda-nao’s total electricity supply. (PIA)
Disclaimer
Mindanao Gold Star Daily holds the copyrights of all articles and photos in perpetuity. Any unauthorized reproduction in any platform, electronic and hardcopy, shall be liable for copyright infringement under the Intellectual Property Rights Law of the Philippines.
