The Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) is set to establish a solar farm in Dinagat to serve as a power reserve amid the increasing demand for electricity in the island province.

In a phone interview on Friday, Provincial Planning Office of Dinagat Islands chief Jorge Daligdig said the plan was finalized during a meeting in Taguig City, Metro Manila on Aug. 7, led by PNOC president Oliver Butalid and Governor Nilo Demerey Jr.

San Jose town has been initially eyed as the location for the project, expected to kick off in October.

“The province needs to have power reserves following the ongoing developments, among them the influx of tourists and the opening of businesses, especially in San Jose town, the province’s capital,” Daligdig said.

During the meeting, the PNOC and the National Power Corporation (Napocor) agreed on the power distribution system in Dinagat once the solar farm operates.

“The PNOC plans to generate 500 to 1,000 kilowatts or equivalent to 1 megawatt of electricity through a solar farm,” Daligdig said.

Meanwhile, the local tourism office reported a remarkable 51.9 percent increase in tourism arrivals in the province during the first quarter of 2024.

Foreign visits to Dinagat also surged, with a 356 percent increase from 2023. (PNA)