Btac . Viejo inks deal with Mirant for coal power plant project

By Leny G. Gabo

Despite strong opposition from cause-oriented groups, the local government of Barotac Viejo entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Mirant Global for the proposed installation of a coal-fired power plant in Brgy . Santiago of said municipality.

The MOU signing was held at the Barotac Viejo Multi-purpose Hall yesterday, March 17, between Mayor Raul C. Tupas and Vice Mayor Juan Franco, representing the municipality of Barotac Viejo , and Arman Lapus , Vice President of Mirant Global Corporation, representing said power form.

The MOU was supported with various resolutions from the Sangguniang Bayan , Municipal Development Council, Office of the Liga ng mga Barangay , and barangay resolutions of Barangay Santiago and San Francisco .

The Parish Pastoral Council of Barotac Viejo was also present and witnessed the signing.

Sangguniang Bayan Resolution Number 04-2005 endorsed the barangay resolutions of Barangay Santiago and San Francisco on the plan of Mirant Company to establish a 100 MW clean coal-fired power plant to address the power demand in the island of Panay .

The resolution was approved on January 10, 2005 .

Meanwhile, the Municipal Development Council, through Resolution Number 01, series of 2005, appreciated, endorsed and expressed support to the plan of Mirant for including Barotac Viejo as one of the possible sites for the proposed power plant. The said resolution was approved on January 14, 2005 .

The resolutions passed by the two barangays were approved December 29 last year.

The Sangguniang Bayan also granted authority for the mayor to enter into contract with Mirant Global Corporation for the benefit of the town people.

It was stated in the MOU that Mirant will provide employment opportunities for the Barotac folks while enhancing the coastal management program.

The firm also assured the people of Barotac that they would be responsible in handling the project and comply with all the standards and requirements.

To note, Mirant Global is eyeing an area of approximately 50 hectares for the proposed 100 MW power plant.

Mayor Tupas stressed that the people should be open-minded to brace the project for the progress of their town.