SP backs hydro power project to boost renewable energy in NorMin

To expand renewable energy sources in Region 10, the 21st City Council has passed a resolution interposing no objection to the proposed 40-megawatt San Isidro Hydroelectric Power Project.

The project, led by First Gen Corporation, is engineered by a 'run-of-river' facility that will tap the Cagayan River across Barangay San Isidro in Talakag, Bukidnon, and Barangay Tignapoloan in Cagayan de Oro to generate electricity before returning it downstream.

It aims to supply clean power to parts of Cagayan de Oro and Bukidnon to reduce reliance of Northern Mindanao on non-renewable energy sources like coal-fired plants.

In 2024, the 20^th City Council, through its committee on energy chaired by Councilor Aga Suan, withheld the endorsement and asked for an updated flood model and comprehensive energy plan.

Leaning towards caution, the panel also recommended that a third-party evaluator assess potential environmental and climate risks, as the project may inadvertently affect the river and its environs.

The City Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office, in its position paper last year, said that while renewable energy is important, development projects should remain compatible with the city’s sustainable tourism industry, particularly whitewater rafting along the Cagayan River being the city’s premier tourism product.

This concern was later addressed upon the endorsement of the project of the Oro Association of Rafters in November 2025, subject to strict compliance with environmental and safety standards under its memorandum of agreement with First Gen.

Meanwhile, Dennis Michael Gonzales, president and chief operating officer of FGEN San Isidro Hydropower Corp., also pointed out the project has undergone rigorous environmental impact assessment and supporting studies.

It has since secured an environmental compliance certificate from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), along with endorsements from local government offices and host communities.

The project also obtained a certificate of non-overlap from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental and a certificate of registration from the Department of Energy in 2023.

Cagayan de Oro City has enacted its Local Energy Code (Ordinance No. 14192), which promotes renewable energy development and energy efficiency in line with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2019 (RA 11285). 

The measure was approved by the majority with 16 votes, two abstentions and one objeciton. (FDC/SP)