All systems go at buffer zone as EDC implements environmental plan
BACOLOD CITY -- More than a month into its steam augmentation program in the Mount Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP) buffer zone, geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC), formerly PNOC-EDC, is pleased to report that it is right on track with its work program.
"Though we are working double time to meet our target of supplying power to Negros Occidental by 2011, all factors considered, we are progressing steadily according to our work program," EDC's Resident Manager for its Northern Negros Geothermal Production Field (NNGPF), Engr. Gino P. dela Cruz disclosed. "Even the weather seems to be cooperating with us. So far, rainfall in the area has been quite tolerable and did not really delay our operations."
Dela Cruz allayed the fears of environmentalists over the implementation of the project. "We reiterate that we concur with the advocacies of all environmentalists to preserve the ecosystem. This we will do by employing scientifically-tested methods to maintain or even enhance the biodiversity of the MKNP Buffer Zone," he said.
EDC has already awarded reforestation contracts for 95 hectares to the Minoyan Integrated Forest Protection Farmers' Association (MIFPFA) and Minoyan Agrarian Reform Association (MARA) as part of the 400 hectares that the company committed to reforest in a span of five years. Both have already started their site preparation. They are expected to start planting in the next few days.
This brings to 135 hectares the total number of reforested areas that EDC will be able to complete by the end of 2008, in compliance with the Memorandum of Agreement that the company signed with the provincial local government. EDC advanced its reforestation for its expansion in the MKNP buffer zone when it established the other 40 hectares last year.
EDC targets to finish its reforestation of all 400 hectares within the next 2 years to allow time for plantation maintenance for the remaining 3 years and ensure survival of planted trees.
EDC's efforts to preserve the environment does not end in the 400-hectare reforestation, it currently ties up with the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology (UPIB) for its on-going biodiversity project.
No less than noted scientists Dr. Perry Ong (UPIB Chairman and past president of Conservation International) and Dr. Dan Lagunzad (who is also from the same institute) came over to NNGPF to do preliminary survey prior to establishing their long-term monitoring program specifically for Mt. Kanlaon and NNGPF.