On Friday President Rodrigo Duterte led the ground-breaking ceremony for the 10.6 megawatt Pulanai hydroelectric power plant in Valencia City, Bukidnon.
President Duterte called on members of the New People's Army (NPA) during the program to lay off from attacking the power plant or any infrastructure made for the Filipino people.
"Ang style kasi ng NPA pag hindi nagbigay, sunugin. Makinig kayo ha. Wag ninyong pakialaman iyong sa tao, energy, communciations, everything," Duterte said.
"May I ask the New People's Army, 'wag nyo na kuhanan. Kasi pag nagkuha kayo ng pera sa kanila itong mga ito magplaplano naman kung paano pataasan ang electricity," he said referring to power plant investors.
The Energy Department approved the construction of the Pulanai power plant this year, saying it is compliant with the work program and government's requirements. It is owned and operated by Repower Energy Developent Corporation, a renewable energy developer of mini-hydropower projects affiliated with Labayat Hydropower Corporation and Pure Meredian Hydropower Corporation.
The President also reiterated that he supports the use of coal power plants because it will help the country survive for the time being.
