'We will defend our gains'

By Leny G. Gabo

The Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (Rise), a multisectoral alliance opposing the entry of coal-fired power plants in Iloilo, once again challenged the government to let the people know the real score as to the future power situation of the region.

The group gathered on Wednesday to commemorate the first anniversary of the rejection of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the proposed coal-fired power plant by Korea Electric and Power Company ( Kepco ) in Banate , Iloilo .

“March 2 is a special day for the environmental advocates for sustainable development. It's the first anniversary of the peak of the people's action last year that led to the SP rejection of the proposed Kepco coal-fired power plant in Banate . The threat is still much alive today and we vow to defend our gains,” declared Melvin Purzuelo of Rise.

During a press conference the group challenged Senate President Franklin Drilon and the Department of Energy to be open minded in dealing with such project.

Purzuelo insists that the government's declaration that there would be power shortage in 2007 is erroneous.

He said it only intends to instill fear among the people so that they would be triumphant in their quest to endorse the harmful coal-fired power plants.

He added that there is excess power in Panay and even the operation of the international airport in the future could not hamper the supply of power in Panay .

Ian Suruelo , on the other hand, said that renewable energy is in the framework of the DOE, however, they fail to use it. He further said that the problem on brownouts these days are not due to the lack of power supply but the poor transmission or distribution lines of the existing power companies.  

The group presented data that in 2007 Panay has still an excess capacity of almost 140 megawatts which could still sustain to the needs of the people.

The group said that they are wiling to discuss the issues with Drilon and the DOE “experts” to be facilitated by independent bodies like the media or a university.

They stressed that they have no interest in any political dynamics because it is their duty to protect the welfare of the people and the environment.