Tuesday, June 17, 2008 [ manilatimes.net ]
LEGAZPI CITY: A California-based Filipino-American businessman invested $4 million on a windmill project, which is the largest single investment that will provide clean energy resources in Cagraray Island, Bacacay town in Albay province.
This milestone energy project puts the province in the mainstream of clean energy providers in the country, with Filipino-American businessman Larry Asera, one of the biggest windmill and solar distributors in California, USA, establishing the wind energy system in Misibis village, Cagraray Island in Bacacay town.
The new energy venture will be within the P500 million Misibis Resort and Spa owned by Bicolano business tycoon Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, president of the Sunwestville Realty and Development Corporation, one of the most reputable property developers in the region.
“This is the first green hotel and resort in the Philippines with clean energy resource,” Asera told The Manila Times.
Following the invitation of Co, Asera came to Bicol along with his American consultant, when he and Co agreed on the joint energy venture preparatory to the looming energy crisis that would go beyond 2010.
The Misibis Residential Resort and Spa boast of exclusive residences with five-star amenities on a 20-hectare property located in Cagraray Island in Albay province.
Cagraray Island is considered a historical jewel because of archaeological relics that were found between 1879 and 1881 by Juan Alvarez Guevera.
According to the archaeological findings, sacred burial jars were found in two of at least 28 caves in the island and local historians suggest that these archaeological evidences could prove that Cagraray Island was the cradle of Bicolano civilization about 200,000 to 300,000 years ago.
Asera said the first phase of the joint venture with Co should be operational in August while the completion of the project is set in October.
Co told The Manila Times that the project adheres to the principle of creating a balance between development and the concern and care for the environment.
Co has also started the hydropower plant projects in Albay, Antique and in the island province of Catanduanes that is now being blocked by Gov. Joseph Cua.
Co noted that the islands of Cagraray, Rapu-Rapu all in Albay and Catanduanes have been identified by the Philippines Wind Atlas by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as good potential of wind energy sources.
“The installation of wind turbines in the islands of Cagraray, Rapu-Rapu and Catanduanes will provide sustained renewable power resources,” Co said. -- Rhaydz B. Barcia
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