MAYOR Marina Javellana-Yao (center) welcomes Thailand-based Sermsang Power Corp. during their visit to Bago City, Negros Occidental on July 1 to discuss a proposed windmill project in the city. (Photo via Bago City PIO)
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Marina Javellana-Yao recently welcomed a possible wind energy investment in Bago City, Negros Occidental by Thailand-based firm.
Yao expressed optimism for potential economic growth and job opportunities as Sermsang Power Corp. explores the windmill project.
During an initial meeting with Sermsang officials in her office on July 1, Yao welcomed the company’s interest and emphasized Bago’s openness to investors and business opportunities.
“The future really looks so bright for Bago,” she said, stressing that investments generating jobs for Bagonhons are highly encouraged.
She assured investors of strong local government support and highlighted the upcoming City Investment and Incentive Code that seeks to make investment processes easier and more rewarding.
Passakorn Panyaratanakorn, chief operating officer of Sermsang Power Corp., said that the company has 15 years of experience in renewable energy, including solar and wind power projects across five countries, including Thailand.
He said that they are excited about Bago’s potential for wind energy and revealed plans for a 150-megawatt windmill project, their first in the Philippines. “We see the potential for a windmill to be installed here (Bago City),” he said.
The proposed project would feature 23 turbines, with operations targeted to begin by the end of next year, running for an estimated 20 years.
Panyaratanakorn cited possibilities for future expansion within the region.
The project is expected to create at least 100 jobs initially, predominantly benefiting local residents.
Also present during the meeting were Senior Business Development Officer Yaowapa Klaonopparat of Sermsang Power, Almana Power representative Yryne Valenzuela, and Yao’s chief of staff, Dr. Jonathan Lobaton.