By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Amid talks suggesting the proposed San Carlos City coal-fired power plant will push through despite opposition from environmentalist groups, Negros Occidental Governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he has no plans to repeal the executive order declaring the province “coal-free,” which was signed by his predecessor, outgoing Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr.
With regard to the proposal itself, the incoming governor insisted he does not approve of the power plant, pointing out, neither the Office of the Governor nor Office of the Vice Governor has the authority to issue such a building permit.
Last February, as a gubernatorial candidate, Lacson previously said a majority of San Carlos City residents are supportive of the project, noting, “If they want it then I would support it.”
Earlier, Negros Occidental Provincial Board Member Romel Debulgado, who chairs the Provincial Board Committee on Environment, said the proposed power plant will push through.
The provincial official pointed out, after visits to existing coal plants in Iloilo City, no environmental problems were detected in the surrounding areas.
He added, coal plants benefit the local economy.
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./DGB, WDJ