Residents divided over coal-fired power plant proposal
Residents of Brgy. Ingore, La Paz, the proposed site of a coal-fired power plant, are divided on the issue of whether to allow such plant to operate or not.
Punong Barangay Jonathan Jalandoni said his constituents have diverse views with regard to the proposal.
This early residents who are against the proposal have placed placards outside their houses to show their disapproval.
Jalandoni said it is the residents who have the final say on whether to allow the operation of a coal-fired power plant in his barangay. He said even if he will approve the project it is still the decision of the majority of residents that should prevail.
Jalandoni, who was among the 14 punong barangays from Lapaz and Jaro districts who visited a power plant in Mabalacat, Pampanga last August 10, 2007, said they need an expert to convince the residents of his barangay to allow the operation of a coal power plant.
Jalandoni said the coal-fired power plant in Mabalacat, Pampanga do not emit heavy smoke and its engine does not generate rowdy sound. There is even a subdivision near the coal-fired power plant, he said.
Jalandoni said there should be independent groups, preferably from non-government organizations who should enlighten the residents over the proposed project.
He admitted that their recent trip to Pampanga to conduct an ocular inspection on a coal-fired power plant was sponsored by the Global Mirant Corporation, alleged proponent of the coal-fired power plant in Brgy. Ingore.
Jalandoni said he is more than willing to listen and get ideas from a non-government organization as regards the operation of a coal-fired power plant.
Jalandoni believes the explanations coming from non-government organizations or non-stakeholders on the proposed coal-fired power plant are needed before a decision is made.
The punong barangay said there should be careful deliberations on the proposed establishment of a coal-fired power plant as he does not want to be blamed by the residents if something wrong happens. The health of the residents should be considered before any project is done, said Jalandoni.