[ Manila Bulletin Online ] April 1, 2008
By FRED ROXAS
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga -- President Arroyo has allocated R3 billion for the upgrading of the power-supply facility in anticipation of the increased electricity requirements of locators and entry of big investors in this freeport.
Levy P. Laus, president and CEO of Clark Development Corp. (CDC), said yesterday that upon President Arroyo’s instruction, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the Statement of Allocation and Release Order (SARO) to the CDC and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
The power-upgrading project in this freeport will have three phases intended to meet the power requirements of the more than 400 locators and to address the increase in demand by incoming investors.
The current peak load demand in this freeport is 43 megawatts, and this is expected to increase to 100 megawatts in the next five years, Laus said.
In accordance with government rules, Laus said that the critical component of project is the submission and acceptance of bids set on April 4, this year.
He said that the target completion of the project is nine months from the time the contract is awarded.
CDC authorities said that upon completion of the power-upgrading project, the locators in this 4,400-hectare freeport would enjoy uninterrupted power supply.
Central Luzon government officials have expressed gratitude to President Arroyo for approving the upgrading of power infrastructure in this freeport.
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