CHURCH and environmental groups welcomed the pronouncements of a local government official over the possible cancelation of a coal project in the central Philippines.
On June 15, Mayor Rene Gustilo of San Carlos City has announced that a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant project “is now expected not to push through” due to the pandemic.
The local chief executive made the announcement during a budget hearing of the city, saying that the coronavirus outbreak and other factors caused severe delays on the project.
“This thrilling development is indeed welcome news for the people of San Carlos and all groups within and beyond Negros [province] who took a stand against coal,” said Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos.
The prelate praised the “fierce resistance” of the people against the project and its impacts to the communities.
Bishop Alminaza vowed that the Church will continue to lead the fight against destructive projects “as a commitment to the care of creation.”
He said the pronouncement “encourages us to continue striving for a future that is powered by clean energy,” urging local officials to “take the lead in this ambition moving forward.”
Environmental groups described the declaration as “a ray of hope.”
The groups, however, said that they will continue to be vigilant against the threats of coal while they’re waiting for the government’s alternative energy project proposal.
Negros Island is known as the “Renewable Energy Capital of the Philippines” for its abundant renewable energy sources with as much as 97 percent of its installed capacity.
In 2018, Negros has exceeded its peak demand of 349 megawatts with its installed capacity of 682.9 megawatts.
However, majority of the clean energy produced on the island is not used by its residents and is wasted because of “outdated grid structures and power supply contracts.”
Gerry Arances, convener of People for Power Coalition, stressed that coal project “is no longer a profitable business” and “is completely unneeded.”
He urged the government and the private sector “to shift their focus on ensuring that the people would benefit from the abundant supply of clean energy available to them.”
