Bishops lead opposition to coal in Negros

The Catholic Church in Negros continues to gather support for its campaign against the entry of coal-fired power plants in the island.

The four dioceses are preparing a collegial statement opposing the “dirty” form of energy, which will be released within the week, Diocese of San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza at the sidelines of the People's Eco-Energy Forum at the Bishop's Home in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

He said the statement will symbolize a gathering of forces of the Dioceses of San Carlos, Bacolod, and Kabankalan in Negros Occidental, and Dumaguete in Negros Oriental.

"In principle, the four of us bishops in Negros are behind of this push for a coal-free island," he said, adding that he hopes to be able to get the nod of his fellow bishops on the final form of the statement.

"We are still refining it considering some recent developments," Alminaza added, as he stressed the church’ strong commitment to environment protection and conservation.

The forum, participated in by representatives of multi-sectoral groups in the city, is one of the initiatives of the Diocese of San Carlos in making known its strong opposition against coal and other conventional forms of energy sources.

Aside from the provincial government officials, the diocese is also planning to have a dialogue with the decision makers of local electric cooperatives.

"We will engage them in conversation," Alminaza said, adding that "we will urge them to move into something more renewable because it is for the survival of everybody."

Other future measures include mobilization like climate walk and other activities that would raise awareness and gather forces for a coal-free Negros.

San Carlos City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor Jr., who also attended the forum, confirmed that San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp. was interested on putting up a coal-fired power plant in the locality.

Valmayor said the local government was weighing the impacts of the proposed 300-megawatt coal plant development.

"I know that the church has been very critical for environment. But I told the bishop that we will evaluate the pros and cons,” he said.

The local executive belied earlier reports that they have given the proponent-firm an approval to proceed with the project.

The city council just concurred with the resolutions of Barangays Punaw and Palampas, the supposed host-barangays, expressing their openness to the project. There is even no request for support from San Miguel yet, he added.—LDF, GMA News