LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte is hosting another big-ticket project on hybrid renewable energy under a lease agreement between the provincial government and the Alba Renewables Philippines Corp.
The project will span 100 hectares of pastureland, locally known as the Dungon-Dungon Estate, in Barangay Baruyen, Bangui town, and Barangay Nagsurot, neighboring Burgos town. The Ilocos Norte Trade and Investment Office (INvest Office) announced this on September 6. The proposed project site lies within a government-owned lot covering a total land area of 256.88 hectares, the provincial government said.
Recognizing its potential for renewable energy, the provincial government, through the INvest Office, has identified several government-owned properties that are eligible for lease, subject to feasibility, availability, and policy determination.
This includes the Dungon-Dungon Estate, which has attracted an investor willing to develop the property if it is found feasible.
INvest Office head Ronaleigh Bueno said that to formalize the agreement, a ceremonial contract signing will be held on today, Monday, September 8.
“The project is expected to create jobs, provide training for local residents, generate lease revenues for the provincial government, and extend assistance to host barangays,” she said.
Bueno said the first hybrid plant to be established in the province will have wind and solar generation capabilities, with an accompanying battery energy storage solution system designed to harness the natural conditions of Bangui and Burgos, where existing solar and wind power farms have been located.
She said this initiative would strengthen Ilocos Norte’s position as the country’s renewable energy capital.
Recently, Ilocos Norte’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) approved the grant of special incentives to attract more investors aligned with the province’s top priority industries.
This includes the leasing of underutilized government properties for up to five years to eligible developers and operators of economic zones and industrial estates.
Eligible sectors include food and agriculture, tourism and creative industries, manufacturing, renewable energy, information technology and business process management, services, and mining and quarrying. (PNA)
