Thursday, November 08, 2007 Tañon oil hunt starts November 15
DESPITE the objections of several sectors, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Angelo Reyes announced the oil and gas exploration in Tañon Strait will begin on Nov. 15.
In a forum at the University of San Carlos (USC) yesterday, Reyes listed all the issues raised by environmentalists and academicians who want amendments of policies on exploration projects.
For one, how will the project affect Tañon Strait?
“Should we look at it as a protected area, or an energy development area? To the extent that the two may not be harmonized, what is our priority valuation of Tañon Strait?” asked Dr. Ben Malayang, president of Silliman University.
He said the DOE presentation indicated that even at this pre-exploration stage, it is clear the seismic surveys will be difficult because there are so many fishers’ boats around.
“So the question is: Should we compromise Tañon Strait as a source of livelihood for small guys like those whose boats need to be pushed out of the way while they are doing the exploration, as against those who will benefit from the oil that may be derived from there?” Malayang said.
Oil prices jumped to a new trading record above US$98 a barrel yesterday amid expectations of declining US supplies. The weak dollar and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ (Opec) apparent reluctance to pump more crude into the market also boosted prices.
The Opec supplies about 40 percent of the world’s crude oil.
But while new sources of oil will be valuable, most participants at yesterday’s forum pointed to the need to distribute benefits fairly.
Among those who expressed concern over what will happen to Tañon Strait during the exploration and oil drilling are lawyer Liza Osorio of the University of Cebu, Danilo B. Largo of USC and Dr. Hilconida Calumpong, Silliman University marine laboratory director.
Monitor
Businessman Felix Taguiam of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry asked Reyes what measures the DOE will adopt to protect marine life, such as the dolphins that have become a top tourist attraction in the area.
Reyes agreed to form a multi-sectoral team to monitor the activities in Tañon Strait during the exploration.
“Although it is not required by law, we have to do it in response to the suggestions of some respected people,” Reyes said.
Mayor Geraldine Yapha of Pinamungahan and Mayor Cynthia Moreno and Vice Mayor Caesar Augustus Moreno of Aloguinsan said they are in favor of the oil exploration because of the taxes, employment and business opportunities these will bring once Japan Exploration and its partners start commercial operations.
But Vince Cinches of the Fisherfolks’ Development Center said they will file a petition for injunction to prevent the oil and gas exploration.
Cinches described yesterday’s forum with Reyes as “an exercise in futility,” saying the government has already decided in favor of the exploration without considering that about 2,100 to 4,000 fishers will be displaced, based on records from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.
“This is a token forum. Wa tay mahimo ana (We can’t do anything here),” Cinches said. (EOB/With AP)
