Mayor Duterte: No other source of power but coal

--By Jereco O. Paloma

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Duterte said she leaves the decision on the AboitizPower Corp. proposal to the City Council.MAYOR Sara Duterte said there is no available power source that would suffice Davao Region's energy needs but the proposed coal-fired plant.

"I distance myself from vehemently opposing the proposal because I see no other alternative," Duterte said on Monday, adding that one of her prime obligations as mayor is to ensure that there is enough power supply not only for Davao City.

The City Council committee on energy, transportation, and communication has already conducted a public hearing regarding the proposal twice since last month.

Councilor Pilar Braga, chair of the committee on energy, transportation and communication, earlier said they might decide on the proposed P400 billion investment of the Aboitiz before the end of April.

Meanwhile, Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressed his approval to the proposed 300 megawatt coal-fired plant project, for as long as there are facilities that will ensure that the plant is not harmful to the environment.

The vice mayor added he is irked by allegations of some groups that are insisting for other sources of energy.

Greenpeace International, an environmental group, is among those that oppose the power plant project. The group said the proposed power plant can cause deterioration to the environment and affect the health of the community living within the vicinity of the plant.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on April 13, 2011.

First of all , I am very proud to say that I am a true-blooded Dabawenya because of our own history, our cultures & traditions , the indigenous people/ethnic tribes, the greatness of our heritage including the beautiful sceneries , the famous landmarks & historical places, our hospitality, our economy , our peace & order and most specially to those people who led the "Dakbayan  sa Dabaw" for many years. Without our government officials , particularly, the Duterte's who were the foundation of our going on peaceful Davao , we might not attain what we have right now. We were said to be the "Premiere city of Mindanao". Of course, I am very overwhelmed & flattered upon hearing that because we are indeed the leading city in Mindanao . This is a very great honor & achievement to Davao City , aside from the fact that we are performing well in terms of our economy. This has been our legacy as a peaceful Davao even though others may think that our place is not a good place to live in because we were surrounded by places where terrorism and rebellion are very rampant. Well , we are rest assured that we are not one of them.

We also have to consider the other side of the coin. I keep on saying good things about my native land. But it does not mean that I would also speak of its bad things. It is not as bad as what others think , because it was just a result of the consequences of what we call "global crisis". Yes , a lot of crises have strike our city , that is an issue that we cannot deny because it is an awful fact. But to consider other things, like the shortage of power , is one great challenge to all of us. Definitely , I was saddened by this because what would happen to the people , to Davao and its economy when there is no sufficient power to supply each household and our industry which are the main source of our livelihood. Power is one of the greatest commodity that a certain city must have because it runs every single house & establishments. The production , manufacturing and even the consumption of goods are based upon the supply of power. I couldn't imagine Davao running out of power supply. Many schools , malls, offices , factories, and other industrial infrastructures would suffer from it. Of course , if this would happen , the people will also suffer from its consequences. In my situation as a student, of course, if there will be no light & other power-operated machines , school is not anymore conducive for learning. For the factories & other industries , the operation of producing & manufacturing finished goods and other products will stop. There will be low supply of goods and so people will suffer from scarcity. This would also mean that there will be unemployment because other companies especially the medium-scale business will lose their capital and cannot pay the salaries of their workers. If this will continue to happen , what do you think would be the future of our city ? This is a challenge to all of us especially to Mayor Inday Sarah Duterte and I bet that we will overcome this because I know she's wise enough to decide for the common good. She said that "if there is no available power source that would suffice Davao Region's energy needs but the proposed coal-fired plant".  I agree with here because if there is no other alternative then we will take the risk because it is her main duty to ensure that there is enough power supply not only here in Davao City. In order to construct a coal-fired plant , it needs a big amount of money so that Aboitiz proposed a P400 billion investment. This is now the problem , if our city is capable enough of producing this very big amount of money. Well , I believe that we can do it. We can make it happen if we will just work hand-in-hand to pursue this proposal for our benefit. 


Many would say that is not a good idea to put up a coal-fired plant here in Davao City because it is very risky & dangerous to the lives of the Dabawenyos. Many would really disagree to this proposal but to think of its overall benefit , it very worthy. Since we are now facing scarce resource of power supply , so this is the best way. In fact, many countries or even small cities have started this for many years and studies show that this is a very effective alternative nowadays. Even if this proposal will be approved , we , as a citizens should take our part in participating and supporting this project so that we will progress and never be left behind. It is our duty , to use power supply efficiently. We should manage its usage well so we can have reserves for future use. Even though , people think of its bad side , but we should take the opportunity to have a better life.  It doesn't mean that when this will be approved , we will all depend on it and waste energy. We should make ways to make it sustainable so that the future generation can benefit from it. Above all , I wouldn't make any disagreement because as a progressing city , it is part of our advancement and modernization since we are industrialized. I think this is the best way so we can have a better life even if there's scarcity of power supply.