The Regional Development Council (RDC) is looking to tap the Pinipisakan Falls in Las Navas, Northern Samar for a hydro project in order to help alleviate the energy shortage the region is suffering that is resulting in blackouts. They have asked the Dept of Energy (DOE) to commission a P3M study which will guage its viability. The study is targeted to start this month and to finish by February of 2011.
With an available head of 21M, Initial inspection by the DOE says that the falls could hopefully generate 7MW.
Aside from Pinipisakan Falls being eyed as a source of energy, it is also being tapped as a tourist destination. Last August it was inaugurated as an ecotourism destination under the Samar Island Biodiversity Project.
Dept of Environment and Natural Resources already signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government for joint allocation of funds which will be used to develop, manage and protect the falls, the Ginagatusan Caves and its surrounding areas.
[source]
Category: Hydro, Eco Tourism
