PROJECT DESCRIPTION
ADB has had a long involvement in, and is highly supportive of, the Government's plans to restructure and privatize the electric power industry, and create a competitive electricity market. Important underlying requirements of a competitive electricity market include first of all a fully functional power trading and pooling system and an adequate transmission network. Therefore, timely implementation of the WESM will be a prerequisite for the successful implementation of the power sector's restructuring and privatization. With the operations of WESM, the competition in the power sector is envisioned to bring electricity prices closer to marginal cost in medium and long term. All of the transmission components included in the proposed Project are also of high-priority for TRANSCO as defined in its least-cost transmission development plan. In particular, the substation expansion will enable implementation of accelerated rural electrification programs in Mindanao, which is one the poorest regions in the Philippines and its percentage of barangays with electricity in Mindanao is well below the national average. The Project fits into ADB's country operational strategy for the Philippines. The Project fits into ADB's country operational strategy for the Philippines and in line with TRANSCO's least-cost transmission development plan. As such, the Project will enable implementation of accelerated rural electrification programs, particularly in Mindanao, one of the poorest regions in the Philippines