ILOILO CITY, March 8 -- Panay energy stakeholders have found short-term solutions to the persistent power problem during Thursday's forum called by the city government.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Trenas, in an interview, said there is a negotiation between distribution utility More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) and the power generator Global Business Power (GBP) for the ancillary supply of 60 megawatts.

This, according to Trenas, would prevent possible cases of blackouts.

"It will further ensure that in case there is something wrong with the transmission lines, we will avoid a five-day blackout because they can immediately restart the plant. It's now a question of recovery of the cost," he said.

Director Irma C. Exconde of the...