The formation of the Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (MMT) implemented through the agreement is a condition under the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and a key feature of the Philippine environmental impact assessment system.
The Rehabilitation and Upgrading Project for the 100MW Binga plant began earlier this year and will see the plant’s capacity increase to 120MW by 2014. The MMT’s key role is to monitor the project in terms of compliance with the conditions of its environmental compliance certificate.
DENR-CAR Regional Executive Director Clarence Baguilat welcomed the wider participation of stakeholders in project monitoring, signifying “good governance” and “transparency.”
The MMT-MOA requirement began as a post-ECC requirement in 1991 when the government was devising a mechanism to resolve social and environment implications of major projects.
SNAP-Benguet is a joint venture between SN Power of Norway and the Aboitiz Group. It also owns the 75MW Ambuklao power plant in Benguet which is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
