Palace eyes public-private partnership vs. Mindanao's power woes

MANILA (PNA) -- Malacañang aims to see government-private sector partnership in helping President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo address Mindanao's power woes.

"There's the possibility of private sector participation so addressing this problem won't be solely government action," Press Secretary Crispulo J. Icban Jr. said on Thursday.

To help even out Mindanao's power demand, he said authorities are targeting to seek from private industrial players there a new work schedule.

He said authorities hope these players can implement a work schedule from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

"This aims to take advantage of power oversupply during such period," he added.

Government is also urging private companies to use their respective generators when possible to help ease power demand in Mindanao, the press secretary said.

Aside from these target private sector initiatives, authorities are likewise planning to transfer a power barge from Luzon to Mindanao.