The Negros Occidental provincial government hopes to complement the Philippine Energy Plan through the construction of an irrigation highway that can also serve as a clean hydro electric source.

Ike Barredo, consultant on special concerns of Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon, said he will discuss this proposal of the governor at a Department of Energy PEP 2007 Update at L Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City today.

Acting Governor Isidro Zayco yesterday said he will also raise with Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, who will be in Negros today and tomorrow, the request of the provincial government for the DA to fund the feasibility study of the Negros Irrigation Highway.

The proposed irrigation highway will be constructed in seven sites - Victorias, Cadiz, Sipalay, Sagay, Ilog, Binalbagan, and Don Salvador Benedicto.

Among the opportunities at stake in this proposed project is the development of the hydro-electric power plant, Barredo said.

This is because the large dams for the irrigation highway can also serve as a clean hydro electric energy source that will provide additional power for the province, he said.

DOE Undersecretary Guillermo Balces said the DOE is currently in the process of formulating the PEP 2007 Update that will provide the framework for the continuous fueling of the domestic economy through greater access to energy.

Part of the planning process is the conduct of public consultations aimed at soliciting inputs from stakeholders, he said, that is why a public consultation is being held in Bacolod.

Meanwhile, Yap will be Negros Occidental for the induction of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials at L'Fisher Hotel tonight.

This morning Yap will be in Bago City to meet with farmers and tomorrow Zayco is set top meet with him to discuss the provincial government's bid for funding of a feasibility study for the irrigation highway.

Yap will also meet with leaders of the Negros hog raisers, sugar and prawn growers during his visit, Zayco said.*CPG

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