Noynoy urged to push long-term energy plan

MANILA, Philippines - A senior lawmaker from Mindanao has urged President Benigno Aquino III to push for a long-term energy plan to ensure there will be no energy crisis in the future.

Anak Mindanao Rep. Mujiv Hataman, an outgoing congressman, said the recent energy crisis in Mindanao should be used by the new administration to address a similar problem in the future, particularly during summer.

“The energy crisis that affected the country recently should serve as a lesson for the next government to push for a long-term energy plan that would avert another occurrence of power crisis,” he said.

Several House leaders have expressed support to the exploration of nuclear power but are opposed to the reopening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, with the exception of outgoing Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco.

To immediately address the power crisis in Mindanao, Hataman said the government should enter into multi-sectoral agreements on increasing generating capacity that will involve companies importing their own generating equipment for their own use.

“Power supply is very crucial to the development and business, this is very important thing that should be given priority,” he said. Hataman and Aquino were former colleagues in the House of Representatives, where the latter served as Tarlac congressman till 2007.

Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon, who lost in his senatorial bid, said the government should start reducing its dependence on hydroelectric power and consider alternative sources of energy.

“Since hydroelectric power is dependent on the water supply, each time El Niño occurs, we are plunged into a power crisis. El Niño is a recurring phenomenon due to climate change and our geographic location. It means that the conditions that bring us to an energy crisis due to low water levels will be a recurring problem too,” said Biazon.

‘Job generation should be the gauge in next administration’s energy contracts’

The assurance of generating massive employment should be the barometer of Aquino when he renews or signs new contracts at the Department of Energy, a senior lawmaker has suggested.

“Government should spare no effort in generating jobs. All agencies should now consciously find ways to advance employment in every public contract and project,” said re-elected Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga.

He made the proposal after the National Statistics Office reported that there are 9.4 million Filipinos, as of April this year, who are either totally without jobs, or working only part-time and actively looking for full-time employment.

“The DOE should give the highest priority to renewable energy projects that promise to produce the greatest number of jobs. Every type of renewable energy, whether biomass, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, ocean or hybrids thereof has its advantages,” he pointed out.

Last week, the DOE reported it was still evaluating 50 additional renewable energy projects, mostly wind and geothermal.

This is on top of the 222 renewable energy projects already approved as of March. Worth a combined P88 billion, the projects are expected to yield 4,567 megawatts in additional capacity for the country’s three main grids.