Thursday, August 30, 2007 Environmentalists call for unity to save earth By Rimaliza Opiña
NOW that the effects of global warming is felt, former Benguet Vice Governor and head of the Energy for Clean Air Project (Ecap) Edna Tabanda called on government agencies and officials to make environmental preservation a priority.
Tabanda made the appeal in the recent capacity building program held for the media.
"Environment was not a priority then," Tabanda lamented but said that since the destruction of the environment is becoming more evident, efforts have to be made to avert its effects.
The recent dry spell, flooding and an unpredictable weather pattern in general, are indications that the different forms of pollution had taken their toll on Mother Nature, she said.
By this time, the use of alternative sources of energy should be at the drawing board, she added.
The Cordillera Administrative Region has sources of alternative energy but its full potential has not been explored. One is the Asin mini hydroelectric plants, which if fully operational, could reportedly energize the whole of Baguio. Another is the capability of Kalinga province to generate geothermal energy. Indigenous peoples there however opposed such exploration works.
Another alternative seen is the use of solar energy but the Affiliated Non-conventional Energy Center said that this would be expensive especially for households living in far-flung areas.
A solar panel, which is used to store energy from sunlight costs P30,000. Sun.Star earlier reported that a regular solar panel, which could store about 18 volts, could be used for lighting and activation of small appliances only.
