TIEZA Open to Negotiations with NGCP Over Cebu-Magdugo Power Line Project

CEBU – The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Friday that the Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is willing to negotiate with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) regarding the Cebu-Magdugo 230kV Transmission Line Project. The project has been delayed due to legal issues surrounding two tower sites located on TIEZA’s property in Cebu.

According to Philippines News Agency, TIEZA, an attached agency and infrastructure arm of the DOT, had to resort to legal action after the NGCP initiated an expropriation action against its Kang-Irag property. The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order following TIEZA’s complaint. The DOT highlighted the importance of energy in tourism development, particularly in Cebu’s upland areas, which have potential for various tourism developments beyond a golf course, including nature-based, leisure, and agriculture/farm tourism. These initiatives could provide livelihood and employment opportunities for local communities. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco has instructed TIEZA to coordinate with the NGCP to ensure that public interests are prioritized in resolving this issue.