Basilan: Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman expressed approval following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s announcement during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) regarding the establishment of a hydrogen power source in the province. Hataman emphasized that this initiative marks a significant advancement in addressing Basilan's persistent power crisis and has the potential to attract investments.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hataman highlighted that including Basilan in the proposed hydrogen power projects indicates the national government's acknowledgment of the province's urgent requirement for a stable and reliable power supply. "It is a big thing because it shows that the national government has noticed our urgent need. Reliable electricity is the most basic requirement for development," he stated in an interview.
During the SONA, the President revealed that the national government has commenced the establishment of hydrogen power plants, with multiple projects currently in their pre-development stages in Marinduque, Masbate, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, and other potential areas. Hataman noted that negotiations for the proposed project are underway, supported by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the city government of Isabela in Basilan.
The governor mentioned that the company responsible for the project is exploring potential sites, including an 80-hectare property in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City. However, negotiations have encountered challenges due to the property owner's preference to sell the land, while the investor seeks a long-term lease agreement.
Hataman remains optimistic that the project's completion will alleviate Basilan's energy shortage and attract investors to the province. He identified the lack of reliable electricity as a significant barrier to economic growth, overshadowing even security concerns. "Our biggest challenge now is no longer terrorism. It is energy," Hataman remarked, noting that an unstable power supply deters industrial investments and increases operating costs for businesses.
Frequent power interruptions have led government offices and private establishments to rely on costly generators and solar power systems. Businesses in Basilan have been compelled to invest in backup power facilities due to the unreliable supply from Basilan Electric Cooperative (Baselco).
In response, the Basilan provincial government has constructed a PHP5.3 million parking canopy made of solar panels to provide stable electricity to the government center in Barangay Sta. Clara, Lamitan City. Meanwhile, Hataman urged the national government to help alleviate the financial burden of Baselco, whose outstanding obligations have reportedly exceeded PHP4 billion, including accumulated interest. He stressed that resolving this issue is crucial to ensuring a sustainable electricity supply in the province.
