MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has issued Executive Order 81 creating the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC) to facilitate initiatives to improve the energy supply in the region.
The President signed the EO last July 30.
“The President approved the formation of the MPMC since there is a need for a team or a body that will study the feasibility of recommendations to address the power situation in Mindanao,” Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said. “It will ensure that coordination and monitoring are in place to better the power situation in Mindanao.”
The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), which was established under Republic Act 9996 and currently chaired by Luwalhati Antonino, will oversee the MPMC. The coordinating body also serves as its secretariat.
The other members of the MPMC are the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corp. and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. Representatives from the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives are enjoined to become members of the committee.
The President directed the MPMC to develop a database on the power sector in Mindanao, assess the energy situation in the region and evaluate the viability of the recommendations during the Mindanao power summit, among others.
Government agencies, including state-owned and-controlled corporations, were asked to assist the MPMC to carry out its mandate.
Ochoa said initial funding for the MPMC would come from the contingent fund and other sources that may be determined by the Department of Budget and Management. The subsequent budget will be incorporated in the regular budget of MinDA.
The Mindanao power situation became a subject of controversy due to claims that blackouts in the area are artificial and meant to force the privatization of government-owned power firms.