MANILA -- The Philippines and Japan signed P439.64-million worth of grant agreements for the construction of mini-hydropower plants in northern Luzon, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

Through a Japan International Cooperation Agency grant of Y893 million or P377.5 million, an 810 kilowatt-capacity mini-hydropower plant will be put up in Barangay Haliap, Asipulo, Ifugao, NEDA said in a statement.

The project, which will be implemented by the Energy department and the Provincial Government of Ifugao from May 2013 to February 2015, also entails the purchase of hydropower equipment, the repair of existing irrigation facilities and the training of plant supervisors and operators.

Meanwhile, a Y147 million or P62.14 million grant will fund a 45-kilowatt capacity in Isabela. The grant also covers the construction of a substation, transmission facilities, diversion canal and a power house.

The Isabela project will be implemented by the Energy department and the National Irrigation Administration from May 2013 to November 2014.

source: ABS-CBN News