P149M SISID program makes Boracay free from brownouts

Boracay Island in the province of Aklan is now brownout-free as the Panay-Boracay Interconnection Project, through the P149-million Small Island Submarine Interconnection Development or SISID program, is already in operation in time for "sizzling hot" months April to May when tourists are expected to flock to the island.

The National Transmission Corporation and the Energy Regulatory Commission will lead the inauguration and switch-on ceremonies of the latest submarine interconnection project tomorrow, Saturday.

Transco president and executive officer Alan Ortiz said that Boracay island is now assured of much cleaner energy.

He also said that the project under Transco's SISID program is the latest among the transmission company's projects that are aimed to improving and increasing the power supply in the Visayas grid.

The SISID program establishes a bi-directional electricity highway at the nation's western corridor, which will eventually lead to the completion of the Luzon-Visayas Transmission Loop.

Ortiz explained that this latest initiative will enhance transmission lines and substation facilities in support of President Arroyo's 10-point agenda, which includes electricity and water supply to all barangays nationwide.

ERC chairman Rodolfo Albano will lead energy officials during the inauguration and switch-on ceremonies of the project.

Tourism undersecretary Oscar Palabyab, National Electrification Administrator Edith Bueno, Presidential Adviser on Rural Electrification Fr. Francisco Silva and Presidential Assistant in the Visayas Felix Guanzon will also witness the event together with the local officials of Aklan to be led by Aklan governor Carlito Marquez.

Boracay island, which is under the franchise area of Aklan Electric Cooperative, has become one of the world's famous tourist destinations for its beach with a 4-kilometer stretch of fine, white sand and "underwater treasures". Reports had it that Boracay chalked up some P8 billion in gross tourism revenues in 2004 alone. - Wenna A. Berondo