Valencia mayor supports geothermal expansion plan

CEBU, Philippines - Amidst objections by an environmentalists group, Valencia Mayor Edgar Teves has reiterated his endorsement of support to the proposed 60-megawatt geothermal expansion project by the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in the Southern Negros Geothermal Project.

Teves said the expansion project will increase the steam field capacity, from 222.5 megawatts to 285.5 megawatts of power, required to support the increase demand as projected in late 2017.

The mayor also said, the town would benefit more from royalties and business taxes, and that the EDC has proven itself to be committed to responsible development, in maintaining a healthy environment in its areas of operation, under its 10-million-trees-in-10-years program.

The program is an expansion of EDC’s BINHI Program, which is to plant trees to increase the density of forest areas in Negros Island Region for biodiversity conservation and watershed management of Cuernos de Negros, or Mount Talinis.

“I recognized that this project will provide mutual benefit for both EDC and the municipality, thus I am enjoining my constituents to provide support to the proposed project,” Teves said.

Teves also requested the Department of Environment to expedite the issuance of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) so the project can immediately proceed.

The mayor further recognized the concerns raised by certain groups but during consultations and a public hearing, which was widely disseminated to all the barangays in Valencia, and other stakeholders through his office, thus mitigating measures were recommended to address any negative effects of the expansion. — (FREEMAN)