City officials told to resolve power issue without damaging environment
An American diplomat said that local government officials need to resolve the energy problem without damaging the environment.
US Counselor for Economic Affairs Larry Memmott said the problem on power supply is one of the "bottlenecks" that hinders further development of the city.
He, however, said the possible supplier of the energy should meet the needs of the consumers without damaging the environment.
He made his observation during a short briefing with the local officials of Department of Trade and Industry and a courtesy call to the office of City Mayor Jerry Treñas yesterday.
Memmott said it depends on the Ilonggos to decide on which alternative source of energy to embark on in order to address the city's power needs. It could be geothermal, solar, wind and coal. He, however, said they would not endorse the use of coal-fired power plant as alternative power source. "It is not the US government's policy to push for coal-fired power plants, it should be the people who will decide," he said.
The local government should get a proper perspective in exerting solutions to the problem. The government's role is to determine what is needed to resolve the issue and put in place all related environmental regulations, said Memmott.
He added, the solution on the power issue should come from the private sector. Regardless of whatever source of energy is offered provided the environment should not be sacrificed, he said.
Memmott added the Philippines has extensive environmental laws. It only needs full implementation of the law. The energy and environment is crucial. Policies and regulations should be well implemented to benefit the society, said Memmott.
The people here understand the economic issues including power. It is the most important thing in the development of a society. The local officials should focus their economic policy in the right perspective, Memmott said.