The Power Behind Alsons Power Group

SOURCE: Alsons Power Group

As the sun sets on a remarkable career spanning three decades, the Alsons Power Group announces the retirement of its esteemed Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tirso G. Santillan, Jr., fondly known as "Cito". This momentous event, slated for March 31, 2024, marks the end of an era filled with unprecedented growth and development for the company.

Santillan's tenure at Alsons Power Group has been nothing short of transformative. His dedication, tireless efforts, and wealth of wisdom have been instrumental in shaping Alsons Power into a highly dependable, responsible, and trusted power supplier in Mindanao, with an expanding presence in other areas of the country.

The '90s were a crucial time for Alsons Power Group. Mindanao, along with the rest of the country, was grappling with a power crisis. Under Santillan's leadership, Alsons Power was one of the first privately-owned companies to respond to the situation, launching its inaugural power generation project in 1993.

By 1998, Alsons Power had a total capacity of 258 MW, accounting for 16.6 percent of Mindanao’s total capacity and 2.15% of the country’s total capacity. This growth was a testament to Santillan’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to the region's energy needs.

Santillan's leadership was again brought to the fore in the late 2000s when Mindanao faced recurring power shortages. He played a pivotal role in the development of the 210-MW Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) baseload facility.

Santillan's progressive vision also led Alsons Power to venture into the realm of renewable energy. Under his guidance, the company launched its first renewable energy project, the 14.5-MW Siguil Hydro Power Corporation (SHPC).

As Santillan steps down, Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara is set to take the helm as CEO, starting April 1, 2024. With 15 years of experience within Alsons Power, Alcantara brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.

Alcantara is deeply grateful for Santillan’s exceptional leadership, which has been instrumental in shaping Alsons Power’s trajectory over the last thirty years. He is enthusiastic about leading Alsons Power forward, seeking to maintain the company's commitment to excellence while embracing innovation and transformation.

Santillan expresses his confidence in Alcantara’s ability to lead Alsons Power into a new era of success. Alcantara’s dynamic leadership and depth of experience assures Santillan that Alsons Power will continue to reach new levels of success.

Today, Alsons Power boasts an aggregate capacity of 468 MW, serving over eight million people in 14 cities and 11 provinces in Mindanao. As the company prepares for a new chapter under Alcantara's leadership, it continues to enhance its renewable energy footprint, a testament to Santillan's enduring legacy.

Weaving Progress: The 5th Philippine Silk Summit's Pioneering Leap in Cagayan de Oro City

SOURCE: PIA 10

In a groundbreaking move, the Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) orchestrated the 5th Philippine Silk Summit, a significant event recently held for the first time outside Metro Manila's borders, in Cagayan de Oro City. This decision underscores a strategic shift, emphasizing regional inclusivity and development in the Philippine silk sector. The summit, aptly themed **"Spinning Innovations for Philippine Silk,"** emerged as a critical platform, facilitating a convergence of minds and missions pivotal to the industry.

At the heart of the summit was an unwavering commitment to unite various stakeholders along the silk value chain. The event's mission was clear: to collaboratively identify and address the challenges and opportunities facing the Philippine silk industry. By exploring the SEDA Pilipinas Roadmap and the current industry landscape, participants delved into strategic discussions on mulberry plantation initiatives, silk cocoon production enhancements, and product development innovations aimed at securing a sustainable and prosperous future for the sector.

Amidst the discussions and deliberations, the SEDA Pilipinas Exhibition offered a tangible testament to the skills and artistry inherent in the local weaving community. This showcase not only highlighted the exquisite craftsmanship of Filipino weavers but also emphasized their crucial role in the silk value chain. It was a vivid reminder of the human element that powers the industry, underscoring the importance of nurturing these skills for the sector's continued growth.

In a significant development reported by Julius Leaño Jr., director of PTRI, the municipality of Villanueva in Misamis Oriental has been recognized for housing the country's largest silkworm germplasm. This facility's capacity to produce 1,000 boxes of hybrid eggs annually presents a significant opportunity for farmers across the nation, promising to be a catalyst for growth and sustainability within the industry.

A critical aspect of silk production, the mulberry plantation landscape in the Philippines, encompasses 39 hectares spread across various regions. These plantations are not just agricultural sites but the foundation upon which the silk industry can expand and flourish. The acknowledgment of existing plantations and the initiative to develop more are pivotal steps toward achieving industry sustainability.

The summit shed light on the collaborative infrastructure supporting silkworm producers, with 43 rearing structures and two hybrid silkworm egg centers established through the concerted efforts of partners and stakeholders. This network not only facilitates production but also fosters a community among producers, promoting knowledge exchange and mutual support.

Leaño's reflections on the summit encapsulated the overarching goal: to transcend the production of silk and impact the lives of those within the community. This event was not solely about fostering industry growth but equally about enriching the lives of farmers, weavers, and their communities. It underscored the profound social dimension of the silk industry, where every thread woven is a story of life and livelihood intertwined.

A hallmark of the summit was the ceremonial exchange of a Memorandum of Agreement between DOST-PTRI and key stakeholders, including public and private organizations such as the Department of Tourism-10 and OISCA Bago Training. This moment was emblematic of the collaborative spirit envisaged for the industry's future, highlighting the importance of partnerships in driving sustainable growth and development.

The 5th Philippine Silk Summit in Cagayan de Oro City marked a significant milestone in the Philippine silk industry's journey. It was a gathering that went beyond the traditional confines of a summit, evolving into a powerful catalyst for change, innovation, and sustainability. As stakeholders reflect on the discussions, initiatives, and partnerships fostered through this event, the industry stands on the cusp of a new era. An era where the collective efforts of all involved spin innovations not just for Philippine silk but for the very fabric of the communities that sustain it.

In the end, the summit was more than just an event; it was a reaffirmation of commitment to the Philippine silk industry's vibrant future—a future built on the pillars of collaboration, innovation, and community. As the industry weaves its path forward, the lessons learned and the partnerships formed in Cagayan de Oro City will undoubtedly serve as its guiding threads.