EDC scholars defend geothermal project
BACOLOD CITY – Ninety scholars of the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) at Ramon Torres Louisiana National High School (RTLNHS) in Brgy. Ma-ao, Bago City vowed to defend EDC's geothermal project that faces stiff opposition from environmental groups.
EDC has been providing scholarship grants to students of RTLNHS for almost five years now.
Jonel Viscaya, 4th year high school student and EDC scholar, said that geothermal energy is the cleanest and affordable, renewable and indigenous source of energy.
He said EDC helps them financially by giving them monthly allowances. "EDC helps us intellectually through the scholarship program," Viscaya said.
The scholars are supporting EDC's new geothermal project within the 12.5 hectares buffer zone of Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.
EDC pays their tuition fee with an allowance at P200 per month and or a scholarship package of P3, 000 per year. EDC also provides free school supplies like bags, notebooks, uniforms, socks and among others.
Viscaya said, there is no need for a debate on the entry of EDC into the buffer zone. "The exploration within the buffer zone of MKNP is clearly established in R.A. 9153; section 5 that allows the geothermal exploration into the MKNP buffer zone. This is for the sake of Negros Occidental as well as other areas being served by EDC."
Mr. Jose M. Salde, Principal of the EDC-adopted school, said, "our school availed a lot of benefits from the scholarship program of EDC. The drive of achieving academic excellence is there. Some scholars who got examinations from Technical University of the Philippines (TUP), University of St. La Salle passed. EDC gave enthusiasm to our students to study more in order for them to maintain their scholarship. It benefited to our quest for academic excellence. I am very thankful for the EDC for such a great help."