Proposed coal-fired power plant in Davao opposed

Coal-fired power plant.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 6, 2010) - The NETWORK OPPOSED TO COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS or NO TO COAL in Davao has launched a nationwide signature campaign which support a House resolution calling for a 40–year moratorium on building coal–fired power plants in the Philippines.

The signature campaign coincided with the 1st Regional Power Conference organized by POWER DABAW which is composed of multi-sectoral groups, local government units, schools, and environmental rights groups. The network aims to gather more than one million signatures in support of the resolution.

The conference tackled problems facing power consumers affected by the unabated power rate hikes and the continued control of the power industry by private firms.

“It is wrong and a lie to tell people that the construction of more coal fired power plants will be the solution to the power rate hikes and the looming energy crisis. The fact is, as long as the industry is monopolized by an elite few, there will be no end to the increase in power rates,” said Francis Morales, of the NO to COAL.

“We hope that the people of Davao will not be deceived and oppose the proposed construction of a 200-megawatt coal-fired plant by Aboitiz here in our city. We are pushing for the promotion and development of renewable energy resources that are sustainable and manage by the community,” he added.

Aldrin Dais, Student Affairs coordinator of the Assumption College of Davao, also stressed that allowing a coal-fired power plant in Davao will pose hazards to the health of the villagers and pollute the environment.

“We want a clean and healthy Davao, especially for the younger generation. We register our opposition to the construction of a coal-fired power plant in Davao,” he said.