Roger Acosta, program manager of the Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance (AVLDA) confirmed that officials of the DongJoo Engineering Co., Ltd (DJE) visited to province two week ago to explore the possibility of constructing an electric generation plant in Takbu River in Barangay Lamfugon, Lake Sebu.

During the said visit, he sais, DJE representatives met with local government officials and the sought endorsement of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

"They have yet to visit the actual area," Acosta said, "but based on the data we provided, they have expressed willingness (to pursue the project). They are only waiting for the endorsement from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan."

Once the SP issues its endorsement, DJE would proceed with the conduct of a feasibility study.

The DJE team has committed to come back to work on other details of the venture, he added.

Acosta explained that DJE’s interest on the construction of a power generation facility in Lake Sebu is a result of the Tourism Investment Conference (Tourism ICon) in October spearheaded by AVLDA and the local government units of South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

AVLDA is local government-led environment body that oversees the management and protection of the Allah Valley landscape, specifically the critical Allah River and its watershed areas.

Its strategy in driving growth involves sustainable use of the natural and cultural resources as strategic capital for ecotourism and by preparing the ground for competitive private and public ecotourism investments.

The long-term goal is to generate jobs leading to the reduction of poverty among the disadvantaged sectors, while sustaining environmental resources and addressing social problems such as peace and order.

During the Tourism ICon, AVLDA, in partnership with the Department of Tourism 12, presented several "big ticket" projects, including P2.1 billion worth of investment proposals for mini-hydropower plants in different areas in South Cotabato.

Local power distributor, South Cotabato 1 Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO 1) has identified Takbu River as a potential source of hydroelectric power for the province.

SOCOTECO 1 General Manager Santiago Tudio said the cooperative’s board of directors is seeking for investors that would build a hydropower plant in the said river to be imbedded into the cooperative’s power distribution line.

He added, completion of such project has the potential of producing sufficient supply of cheaper electricity in the area.