Green Alert urges Negros Occidental provincial government: Stop EDC power project

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Green Alert Negros Enviromental Network Inc., in its seven-page position paper, had asked the provincial government to stop the project of the Energy Development Corporation in Negros Occidental.

The environmental group had urged the governor and the Provincial Board “to immediately hand down the irrevocable termination of the province’s memorandum of agreement with EDC for its commission of gross violations.”

Green Alert accused EDC of failing to deliver its commitment of 49-megawatt of power, and that its production of 5MW could hardly be felt.

There were reports that EDC had been selling its power to those outside the province, and Green Alert said this “is a gross violation of the MOA, which provides that EDC geothermal power outputs must be sold to the province for the use of consumers at a rate equivalent to the standards of renewable energy.”

The group assailed EDC for causing the irreversible damage of the ecosystems in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, more than its failure to deliver its commitment.

“Its tree planting program as a way to reforest the century trees they cut within the 164-hectare area is merely a showcase for its so-called corporate social responsibility and can never replace nor restore the ecosystems,” the group said.

Green Alert claimed that EDC failed to submit regular, comprehensive and honest report to the PB about its performance in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, one of the requirements stipulated in the MOA. The report is important for the provincial government and the people to evaluate and make judgment on this matter.

“These violations are so serious and encompassing for the ecosystems and the current and future life of Negrenses that the Provincial Board must immediately move for the MOA termination,” the group said.

Green Alert also urged the PB to stipulate in its termination order the stoppage of all operations and activities of EDC either in Mt. Kanlaon or in northern Negros, pending resolution of appropriate penalties for its violations at the MKNP.

“Otherwise, EDC will continue to resort to other squid tactics to pursue its notorious and vested interests anywhere in Negros at the expense of our ecosystems and our people,” the group said.

Green Alert is hoping that the provincial government will continue to make true to its commitment as stewards in the protection and conservation of the MKNP, Northern Negros Natural Park and the entire ecosystems in the island. (FREEMAN)