As we continue to explore Negros with Manjuyod Sandbar topping the list, curious of the reviews and feedbacks from local residents and foreigners, we decided to see the place personally, but we were dis appointed upon knowing we can’t find the sandbar we wish to see, since it’s high tide.
Exploring Negros Island
We shift to plan B, which is spelunking or caving in Mabinay with a visit to the Mabinay Spring. But as we are cruising the national road after Bais proper, all were amazed to see the, long stretched of solar panels laid down till the foot of the mountain. The sugar cane plantation is now a solar farm!
The sugar cane plantation is now a solar farm!
Bais City, Negros Oriental is home to sugarcane and Hacienderos. The people and the way of living are greatly influence by the Spaniards who had occupied, and some are still in the area living for good. No wonder Bais is still home to Central Azucarera de Bais, where the town credited for its progress and known as the largest producer of raw sugar in Negros Oriental. Visible are Spanish inspired structures which still serves as staff houses.
The site of the 1.3 Billion Solar Farm, which we learn from residents, occupied a land area of 212,292 square meters with a capacity expandable to 50 MW. The project is being undertaken with a partnership between Monte Solar Energy Inc. and Ayala Unit AC Energy Holdings, Inc.
The project is located at Barangay Tamisu and was inaugurated last April 5, 2016. The event was attended by Monte Solar Energy Inc. CEO Fernando Zobel de Ayala and representatives of the Montenegro, the owner of the land the plant is built.
Bais City Mayor Mercy Goni welcomes the projects as it greatly helped boost the local employment and revenue of the City as well as an increase in the power supply in the entire province.
Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo was also enthusiastic of the project being a champion of environmental preservation considering the beneficial effect of the project.
Power Supply for Negros and Cebu
The project was completed last year and generates 24,205 megawatt hours of electricity annually. The power supply is sufficient enough to supply the need of 10,085 households in the region and save tons of carbon emissions. Solar energy is clean and renewable thus helping us save our environment. The 18 MW solar farm is a great help to the rapidly increasing power requirement of Dumaguete and Cebu.
If Bais can do it, how about other areas in the country?
The Philippines is rich in natural resources. We have all the resources and ingenuity what we lack is the All-Out Support from our own government to encourage and finance such projects to Realize our dream.
How to get to Bais City?
Barely 45 kms from Dumaguete City, it takes 45 mins to an hour’s travel to Bais. You may take the Ceres Bus Liner who had numerous daily trips to other parts of Negros beyond Bais, or a V-Hire Van with fare ranging from P60 to P70 pesos.
Where to stay in Bais?
La Planta Hotel is an excellent place to stay. You can feel its charm due to its touch of old traditions of the family depicted in its antique furnitures displayed in the Period Restaurant, Coffee Shop and Bar. La Planta Hotel is owned by Senora Edna Diago Lhuiller (Cebuana Lhuiller), a pure Baisanon.
Bais Tourism Council
With numerous tourist visiting Bais to enjoy the white sandbar (Manjuyod but most accessible from Bais), dolphin watching along the coast of Tanon Strait or a trip at the Tabalong Mangrove Park and Bird Sanctuary, Bais Tourism office had boats for hire to roam the area. You may arrange advance booking at telephone numbers 63 35 4026629 and 63 35 541 5161. Bancas/boats are available for hire at P3,500 to P5,000 a day.
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