Lagdameo urges gov't to develop renewable energy sources
SAN JOSE, ANTIQUE—Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo on Thursday called on the government to focus on developing renewable sources of energy amid soaring prices of oil products and other other fossilized fuel.
"They should seriously consider renewable energy as a solution to the energy crisis and our country's dependence on imported fuel," Lagdameo said in an interview at the sidelines of the launching of mini-hydro power plant projects in Antique.
Lagdameo said tapping local sources of energy like water, wind, solar and bagasse would free consumers from the control of oil and coal producers and safeguard the environment and human health.
The prelate lauded officials and residents of Antique for launching a hydro power plant project at the Villasiga River in Barangay Igsoro, Bugasong town.
"Antique is leading the way. Thank you for showing Panay the way," he said in a speech at the launching ceremony. The launching was also attended by Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes and Antique officials led by Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar-Perez and Rep. Exequiel Javier.
The P1.01-billion project to be undertaken by the Sun West Water & Electric Company will generate at least 8 megawatts. This will be complemented by three 2-mw mini-hydro power plants in Lauwa-an and Barbaza towns.
The 14-mw output would be more than the 12-mw daily peak demand of the province. Compared to using diesel or coal plants, the hydro power plant would save the use of 50,200 barrels of diesel fuel yearly and avoid the annual emission of 17,100 tons carbon dioxide, the main cause of global warming.
Perez said the hydro power plant project is "historic" being the first in Western Visayas. She said with the completion of the project after two years, Antique would be independent for its energy needs.
National Power Corp. President Cyril del Callar said the hydro power plant in Antique is a significant boost to the Visayas power grid because it would lessen the demand being supplied by the grid.
Perez said her province is setting an example that she hopes other provinces would follow. "We have an alternative to coal plants," she said in an interview.
Lagdameo reiterated the call of Western Visayas who issued a pastoral letter on January 16, 2005 rejecting the putting up of coal plants in the region.
"Clean coal is a misnomer, a myth. Coal is a pollutant of the environment, its effects in the air and water have been proven to cause asthma, cardiac problems, upper and lower respiratory tract problems. Pollution from dirty power plants kills more people every year than drunk drivers and murderers," said Lagdameo in his speech.
A 100-mw coal plant is being planned to be constructed in Concepcion town in Iloilo. Another coal plant is being proposed to be set up in La Paz District in Iloilo City.
But Lagdameo challenged officials in Panay "to leave a clean legacy" for the province.
"We are stewards of the earth, God's earth, we are not the absolute owners of this earth. We are caretakers, custodians and stewards of this earth."
He called on called the Departments of Energy and Environment and Natural Resources to "please reserve Panay or Western Visayas for renewable energy of water, wind, sun for electric power."
He pointed out that potential sources for renewable sources of energy are also present in other provinces in Panay.
"Let us not condemn the future of the young Filipinos who will blame us without end for have cared less for their future," said Lagdameo.
Reyes agreed with Lagdameo saying renewable sources of energy is the future amid soaring oil prices.
"The challenge is to go renewable. There is no debate about that," said Reyes.