The 10-kilo volts micro-hydro electric power switch-on was held yesterday and is expected to benefit more than 40 houses in Sitio Campuestohan, Brgy. Cabatangan, in Talisay City.

Proprietor-manager of TTG Construction Services, Tim Geollegue, said the use of water in this project is not only anchored on producing electricity, but at the same time to protect the healthy forest of the place.

The residents will preserve and protect the forest at the same time make use of the running water coming from the lakes and rivers of Sitio Campuestohan, Geollegue said.

The electric power provides conventional service in the isolated areas and it creates direct socio-economic benefits because students can study their lessons without hassle, he added.

Denia Pusru, one of the beneficiaries of the hydro electric power said they were happy and thankful that after 23 years without electricity, they now have lights in their homes.

She said they will take care the power plant and not abuse it because they are the ones who benefit from it. It is also their duty to take care of the environment that provided them with the electric power, she added.

This project was funded by the Talisay City government in cooperation with the Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation, Inc.

Talisay City Mayor Eric Saratan said the establishment of the micro-hydro electric power will lead to Sitio Campuestohan becoming tourist spot with the cooperation of the people.

Saratan said he expects the people to be cooperative and organized, and make use of their power source efficiently. As to the maintenance of the power plant, he said, it is up to barangay officials to decide on how they are going to contribute for it.

He said this was project was proposed in 2000 by the NFEFI during the term of the late mayor Anthony Lizares but it was realized only this year because of NFEFI’s drive to use a green system.

The project was also supported by the Cabatangan Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative and Campuestohan Upland Farmer’s Association.*LTG

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