Governor orders ‘coal-free’ designation for the province

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

According to officials from the Department of Energy (DOE), Negros Occidental is the only major area of the entire Visayas region that will have no reliable inland power source within the next five years.

DOE-Visayas energy management division chief, Engr. Rey Maleza, explained both Cebu and Iloilo are expected to open coal-fired power plants within the year, with two located in Cebu and one in Iloilo.

“This additional 480 Megawatts, to be generated from the three power plants, will suffice for the Visayas requirements [over] the next five years,” he explained.

Meanwhile, amid ongoing discussion over an ordinance declaring Negros Occidental “coal-free,” Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. issued an executive order affirming the said designation.

The order cites Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which states, “The state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature;” along with Section 2(c) of RA 9513, or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which calls on the government to “encourage the development and utilization of renewable energy resources as tools to effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions and thereby balance the goals of economic growth and development with the protection of health and the environment.”

Maleza noted, when considering the location for power plants, investors will consider local policies and attitudes.

“The resistance of the people, as well as the local government officials, is one factor that could affect the choice of investors,” he pointed out. “Regardless of energy source, it is an advantage for an area having an inland power source.”

Maleza, along with other DOE officials and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines personnel, served as resource speakers for yesterday’s Provincial Board Committee on Energy hearing regarding the aforementioned ordinance./DGB, WDJ