Thursday, October 23, 2008 Archbishop approves of EDC geothermal project
JARO, Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo believes that the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) "has chosen a better, practical and environment-friendly means of producing power through the geothermal project" at the buffer zone of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP).
In his October 20, 2008 letter to EDC chairman Oscar Lopez, Lagdameo said: "We must take advantage of the gifts of nature which offer healthier and less destructive options. If out of necessity, trees are to be cut and environments are to be restructured, it must be for a greater reason, in accordance with approved laws and in the spirit of true stewardship of creation for the benefit of all".
The letter, released to the media by EDC corporate communications officer Frances Ariola to clarify Lagdameo's stand on EDC and geothermal energy, added: "EDC, I was informed, is committed to continue the reforestation of 9,464 hectares, together with 400 hectares within the Mt. Kanlaon Park, and offering assistance to some 122 forest community associations."
"A comprehensive reforestation program as well as an effective watershed management, I was made to understand, is necessary and important for the continuous operation of the geothermal project. Water, which is saved by the forest, feeds and renews the source of geothermal energy kilometers below the earth," it added.
Lagdameo said: "as I thank you for the information I have learned, I express the hope that other stakeholders may receive the same information. I pray for God's blessings on your project which will benefit the people of northern Negros and hopefully, even beyond."
The Archbishop also reportedly admitted to have signed a petition to save Mt. Kanlaon, but stressed he thought then that what he was signing was against the presence of a coal plant in the protected area. He said he withdrew his earlier stand..."in line with our advocacy for the use of renewable energy to solve power deficiency."
"It was only when I get acquainted about the project that I knew by having fully understood the issues," Lagdameo said.
EDC is currently utilizing 12.5 hectares of the MKNP buffer zone to augment the steam supply of its 40-megawatt Northern Negros Geothermal Power Plant. The company earlier committed to supply the power needs of Negros Occidental by 2010-2011.
Lagdameo believes that EDC is serious enough and is willing to reforest 400 hectares within MKNP for the next five years to replace the trees that will be affected by the project.
EDC has secured a permit to cut 4,213 trees at the buffer zone.
