Overview
The Pulangi River, also spelled Pulangui, stands as one of the major tributaries of the Rio Grande de Mindanao, an extensive river system located in Mindanao, Philippines. With a total length of 320 kilometres (199 mi), it is recognized as the longest river in Bukidnon province and ranks as the 5th longest river in the Philippines. The river traverses through the majority of the cities and municipalities of Bukidnon, originating from its source in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon. This significant waterway plays a crucial role in the regional hydrology and serves as a primary resource for energy generation and water supply in the province.
Hydroelectric Power Generation
As a key component of the region's energy infrastructure, the Pulangi River supports hydroelectric power generation. The hydroelectric_powerplant associated with the river has a capacity of 255 MW, utilizing water as the primary fuel source. The National Power Corporation operates this facility, which is currently in an operational status. This hydroelectric infrastructure contributes to the energy mix of the Philippines, leveraging the river's flow to generate electricity for the region.
Geography and Watershed
The Pulangi River originates in Barangay Kalabugao, located within the municipality of Impasugong in the province of Bukidnon. From this source, the river traverses the majority of the cities and municipalities of Bukidnon before joining the Rio Grande de Mindanao, an extensive river system in Mindanao, Philippines. The river serves as a primary water source for the region, supporting the operational status of the National Power Corporation's hydroelectric infrastructure, which has a capacity of 255 MW.
Upper Pulangi Watershed
The river is part of the Upper Pulangi Watershed, which covers an area of 1.8 million hectares. This extensive watershed encompasses the majority of the Bukidnon province and is critical for the region's hydrological balance and energy production. The watershed drains into the Pulangi River, feeding its flow from its source in Impasugong through its course across Bukidnon. The management of this 1.8 million hectare area is essential for maintaining the water quality and quantity required for the hydroelectric powerplant operations along the river.
Tributaries
The Pulangi River system includes several tributaries that contribute to its total flow. Key tributaries include the Manupali River and the Muleta River. These water bodies join the main stem of the Pulangi River, enhancing its volume as it moves toward the Rio Grande de Mindanao. The following table lists the known tributaries and their origins within the watershed.
| Tributary | Origin |
|---|---|
| Manupali River | Upper Pulangi Watershed |
| Muleta River | Upper Pulangi Watershed |
The integration of these tributaries into the main river system supports the hydroelectric capacity of the National Power Corporation's facilities. The water from the Manupali and Muleta rivers, along with the main flow from the source in Impasugong, ensures the operational continuity of the 255 MW hydroelectric powerplant. The geographical layout of the river and its tributaries within the 1.8 million hectare watershed defines the energy infrastructure potential of the region in Mindanao.
Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Plant
The Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Plant is a key component of the hydroelectric infrastructure along the Pulangi River, one of the major tributaries of the Rio Grande de Mindanao in the Philippines. The Pulangi River, also spelled Pulangui, is the longest river in Bukidnon and the fifth longest river in the Philippines, with a length of 320 kilometres (199 mi). It originates in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon, and traverses through the majority of the cities and municipalities of Bukidnon. The plant is operated by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), the primary operator for this hydroelectric facility. The facility has an installed capacity of 255 MW. This capacity contributes significantly to the regional energy grid, accounting for approximately 25% of Mindanao's power needs. The plant utilizes water as its primary fuel source, harnessing the flow of the Pulangi River to generate electricity. The operational status of the plant is currently operational, indicating its active role in the energy mix of the island of Mindanao.| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Hydroelectric Power Plant |
| Primary Fuel/Source | Water (Pulangi River) |
| Country | Philippines |
| Region | Mindanao (Bukidnon) |
| Operator | National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) |
| Capacity | 255 MW |
| Operational Status | Operational |
| Regional Contribution | 25% of Mindanao's power needs |
Proposed Pulangi V Hydroelectric Dam
The proposed Pulangi V Hydroelectric Dam represents a significant expansion of hydroelectric infrastructure along the Pulangi River system in Mindanao. This project is designed to add 300 MW of generating capacity to the regional grid, contributing to the energy mix of the Philippines. The development focuses on harnessing the water resources of the Pulangi River, which is a major tributary of the Rio Grande de Mindanao.
Project Scale and Footprint
The physical footprint of the Pulangi V project is substantial, covering an area of 3,300 hectares. This land requirement reflects the extensive civil works needed for the dam structure, reservoir, and associated transmission infrastructure. The geographical scope of the project spans across two key administrative regions: Bukidnon and North Cotabato. This cross-provincial extent highlights the river's role as a natural boundary and resource corridor between these areas. The location aligns with the river's course through Bukidnon, where it is the longest river in the province, and its flow towards the Rio Grande de Mindanao system.
Socio-Economic Impact
The implementation of the Pulangi V Hydroelectric Dam is projected to impact 1,060 households. These households are located within the 3,300-hectare footprint, primarily in the municipalities along the riverbanks in Bukidnon and North Cotabato. The displacement or relocation of these families is a critical component of the project's social assessment. The National Power Corporation, as the operator of the existing hydroelectric infrastructure in the region, is involved in the development. The project aims to enhance the operational status of the energy infrastructure in Mindanao, building upon the existing 255 MW capacity of the broader Pulangi River hydroelectric complex.
Strategic Context
The Pulangi River is the 5th longest river in the Philippines, with a total length of 320 kilometres. Its source is located in Barangay Kalabugao, Impasugong, Bukidnon. The proposed 300 MW capacity of Pulangi V adds to the strategic importance of this waterway for energy generation. The project continues the trend of utilizing the river's flow for power production, supporting the operational status of the hydroelectric powerplants in the area. The integration of Pulangi V into the National Power Corporation's portfolio aims to stabilize power supply in Mindanao, leveraging the consistent water source of the Pulangi River.