NGCP has received approval for the Balo-i-Kauswagan-Aurora 230 kV transmission line project in Mindanao. This PhP 2.2 billion project will help meet the transmission capacity requirements of the additional generation capacities in Mindanao. The line will help evacuate power from, among others, the upcoming 600 MW coal-fired power plant in Kauswagan, Lanao de Norte, being built by GN Power Kauswagan Limited.
For the 500 kV Bataan-Cavite transmission line, also known as the Metro Manila Transmission Line Project, the Electricity Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved a PhP 161.8 million feasibility study to determine the most suitable submarine cable link between Bataan and Cavite as part of a long-term plan to form a backbone transmission loop system. The project is part of NGCP’s plan to establish a looped extra-high voltage backbone for the Metro Manila grid.
In addition to this, the ERC has also approved the 69 kV Tacurong-Kalamansig transmission line project of the NGCP. The project is estimated to cost PhP 329.4 million. The line, 85 km long, is expected to provide a possible connection to the Kalamansig-Small Power Utilities Group diesel power plant, which will compensate for the shortage of power supply in the area. It is also expected to enhance interconnectivity within and among the neighbouring municipalities in Sultan Kudarat.
The Philippines government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have signed a loan agreement worth PhP 13 billion. It will be utilised for the Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project and the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, Package 1 – South and Center Sections. The Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project involves replacing, retrofitting and reinforcing of the Guadalupe and Lambingan bridges. On the other hand, the Davao Bypass Construction Project, Package 1 – South and Center Section involves the construction of a two-lane, 28.8 km bypass, which includes roads, tunnels and bridge sections.