ADB officials due here for loan discussion

CEBU, Philippines - Debt watchdog Freedom from Debt Coalition is expecting that officials of Asian Development Bank will return to Cebu to discuss the implementation of coal-fired power plant in Naga.

Officials of ADB are expected to meet with FDC, Cebu's environmental lawyers and Naga officials on the approval of Kepco-Salcon Power Corporation's $120 million loan for the construction of the 200 MW coal-fired power plant in the town.

FDC-Cebu secretary general Lito Vasquez said that the approval of Kepco’s loan proposal was reset by ADB.

The FDC and some environmental lawyers in Cebu expressed opposition to the approval of the loan, calling for the ADB to reject it.

The FDC likewise urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Energy to intervene.

Dubbed as the Visayas Base Load Power Project, the power plant is a joint venture of Kepco Philippines Holdings and Salcon Power Corporation. It is expected to provide additional power to the Visayas.

Vasquez, in an earlier interview, said the power industry is a major contributor to climate change as power plants are utilizing fossil fuels such as coal, which contributes to high amount of carbon emissions. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/ LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)