Known for being a busy port town, Jagna is now emerging as one of the province’s most progressive municipalities. Among its bold initiatives is the launch of its first LGU-led project to harness the limitless power of solar energy.
According to Vice Mayor Teofisto Pagar, Jagna is set to establish a solar farm on a five-hectare site in Barangays Bunga Mar and Cantagay. Led by Mayor Joseph Rañola, the ground-breaking project seeks to address the rising cost of electricity while promoting sustainable energy alternatives.
During the loan agreement signing, Rañola emphasized that the project reflects the municipality’s dedication to sustainability and energy efficiency. He added, “With the support of our partners and stakeholders, we are poised to revolutionize our energy landscape and pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for Jagna.”
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Developing the solar farm
Last March 2024, Rañola finalized a loan agreement with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). The ₱96.5-million loan will fund the municipality’s upcoming 2-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility.
Pagar stated that once the bank loan is secured, its repayment will come from the solar farm’s revenue. The return on investment is expected as the Bohol II Electric Cooperative (BOHECO II) will utilize the energy generated by the facility.
The solar energy facility is expected to ease the strain of rising electricity costs while creating business opportunities. Its strong potential has already drawn interest from investors, including the provincial government, highlighting its economic promise and long-term viability.
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Energy security for Boholanos
Last year, the provincial government, along with the Department of Energy and other agencies, inaugurated the 27-MW San Vicente solar facility in Dagohoy. At the heart of this initiative is the Dagohoy Solar Power Project (DSPP), the island’s pioneering large-scale solar energy farm.
A joint initiative by Dagohoy Green Energy Corporation (DGEC) of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), the Department of Energy (DOE), and local government units in Bohol, the DSPP features 40,000 solar panels generating 41,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually. This clean energy powers approximately 18,000 homes and major tourist attractions like the Chocolate Hills.
Benefits include a significant reduction in Bohol’s carbon footprint, with the DSPP cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 28,642 metric tons per year. The project has also generated at least 600 local jobs, stimulating economic growth and increasing business opportunities in the region.
The Jagna solar power plant seeks to complement this push for renewable energy expansion in Bohol, as other areas like San Vicente, Dagohoy, and Ubay have already begun installing solar panels, collectively generating 127 megawatts of clean energy.
For years, Bohol has strived to establish a reliable and affordable power supply, reducing its dependence on external sources. Governor Aris Aumentado’s administration is determined to prevent a repeat of past power crises, particularly the island-wide blackout following the 2013 earthquake and Super Typhoon Odette in 2021.
Mayor Rañola emphasized Bohol’s growing energy demand, noting that 140 MW is needed to support the province’s development.
He also highlighted Jagna’s potential for a wind farm project, given its naturally strong winds. According to Rañola, combining solar and wind energy will create a balanced, sustainable hybrid power system, ensuring a more stable and reliable electricity supply.
Sources:
https://theboholtimes.com/?p=14153
https://jagna.gov.ph/mayor-joseph-ranola-secures-96-5-million-pesos-loan-for-jagnas-2mw-solar-farm-project/
https://www.boholchronicle.com.ph/2024/09/17/renewable-power-in-jagna-bohol/