Labrador, Pangasinan open to nuclear power plant; scientific study pushed

The local government of Labrador, Pangasinan is considering plans of building a nuclear power plant in the town.

The importance of building a nuclear power plant has been discussed widely, particularly with Representative Mark Cojuangco of the 2nd District of Pangasinan who had advocated for nuclear energy for quite some time.

Cojuangco argues that more than just a conventional power plant like the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant should be constructed.

Labrador Mayor Ernesto Acain believes that the town has great potential to host a nuclear power plant due to its favorable location. 

“Kinakailangan kasi ng huge body ng water, mayroong beach na pagkukuhanan ng cooling system at pagkukunan para sa nuclear reactor. Marami [din] kaming mountain area para sa nuclear reactor,” Acain said.

(We would need a huge body of water, there is also a beach that could help with the cooling system and a source for the nuclear reactor. We also have plenty of mountain area for a nuclear reactor.)

Despite this, some residents remain unconvinced.

“‘Di pwede na itayo sa lugar na malapit sa karamihan ng tao kasi ‘yung kalusugan ng tao at kalikasan, nakakaapekto ‘yun,” a resident said.

(They can 't construct near plenty of people since this would affect everyone's health and the environment.)

However, according to the local government, 65 percent of the town's voting population supports the project.

Other mayors in the Second District, like Binmaley Mayor Pedro Merrera III, said that there is a need for a scientific study before proceeding with the nuclear energy project. 

“Scientific approach kung paano nila magagawan ng paraan in case there is malfunction of this nuclear power plant. Otherwise, [in] a matter of seconds — wala na tayo,” Merrera said.—GMA Regional TV