CEBU, Philippines — At least 28 landowners in Daanbantayan town have received compensation from the Cebu provincial government for selling their lands to the Capitol.
On January 8, at least 19 individuals from Barangay Talisay, Daanbantayan, northern Cebu, received their compensation, joining the first nine who had already been paid.
These lands will be used as the site of a 150-megawatt solar power plant.
During a gathering, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia handed over checks ranging from P300,000 to P10 million, based on the appraisal by the Provincial Board's committee headed by Board Member Mela Franco.
Garcia thanked the sellers for their cooperation.
“Magpasalamat ko ninyo nga wa mo maghatag og labad sa Probinsiya sa Sugbo. Tungod ana, mouli mo nga magdala og kamatuoran sab sa pagkamatinud-anon sa Probinsiya sa Sugbo,” Garcia said, as per Sugbo News, Capitol's news arm.
A total of 56 lot owners in Barangay Talisay have been notified about the Capitol's purchase. Their properties fall within the 185-hectare lot where the solar power plant will be built.
Another 12 landowners will be compensated within the week, while details for five more are being finalized.
Three properties are also set for auction.
The Capitol has signed an MOU with Spanish firm Acciona Energia Global and Freya Renewables for the solar project, which aims to meet the increasing power demand in northern Cebu and boost Daanbantayan's economy.
Acciona Energía announced it had received 'green lane' status from the Board of Investments for the $130 million investment, which will create jobs during construction and operation. — /LPM (FREEMAN)