Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko is presently seeking consultations from “resource persons” regarding the proposed construction of a coal-fired power plant in San Carlos City.

According to Ko, consultations were sought following hearings before the Provincial Board Committee on Energy as there was also a contrasting proposal to declare the province coal-free and concentrate solely on renewable energy.

He admitted, “expect advice” is needed as they currently lack technical information.

Meanwhile, the dioceses of Bacolod City, Dumaguete City, Kabankalan City, and San Carlos City released a collegial pastoral statement, where they cited Pope Francis’ call for “ecological conversion.” The statement advocated for a reduction in the consumption of coal and other fossil fuels and to “embrace an energy future that is clean, renewable, and equitable for the health and well-being of our planet and for our future generations.”

They also cited Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who said poor people around the world suffer greatly from the climate crisis and fossil fuels are among the main drivers of injustice.

The statement made mention of the several renewable energy plants throughout the Negros that provide a total 579.43 Megawatts.

“We are increasingly demonstrating that sustainable energy practices work for us and for our communities,” the statement affirmed./DGB, WDJ