SanLakas opposes plan to put up power plant in Sawang Calero
Cebu City was declared a “coal-free Queen City of the South” for zero carbon emissions by SanLakas-Cebu, a multisectoral organization created to protect the rights and welfare of the people, yesterday.
Teody Navea, secretary general of SanLakas-Cebu, told The FREEMAN the proclamation was to give essence to the earlier statements of incumbent and former city officials that the city will not allow any activity that could damage the environment.
“The past and previous administration promised a zero carbon emission in the city. Therefore, we support it by declaring (Cebu City) as coalfree city,” he said.
Their activity yesterday was participated in by around 100 anti-coal power plant individuals, including a number of residents from Barangay Sawang Calero and environmental organizations, marching from P. Del Rosario Street up to Gaisano Metro Colon.
They intentionally put dirt and grease on their bodies to signify the harsh effects of too much carbon emissions.
In addition, he admitted they came up with the idea so that the City Council will realize that the proposed 300-megawatt coalfired power plant in Barangay Sawang Calero should not push through due to its environmental and health hazards to the community.
Navea said SanLakasCebu and other environmental organizations are not in favor of the proposed coal-fired power plant knowing how harmful it is.
They are challenging the city government to support them in this campaign against Ludo Power Corporation’s plan to establish a 300-megawatt coalfired power plant.
“This is a challenge to the city councilors if they are really for the welfare of the people,” Navea further said.
He admitted that they are “alarmed” that Ludo Power Corp. will get the nod of the council knowing that Barug Team Rama is in the majority bloc.
Navea said he noticed that most of the Barug Team Rama councilors are for the proposed coal power plant.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña could not be reached for comment as he was in Yokohama, Japan attending the Asia Smart City Conference for Asian leaders and international organizations.
Barug Team Rama councilor Jose Daluz III told The FREEMAN the concern of the public must be heard before the council.
“SanLakas and the other sector should be given a chance to be heard in the proper forum when Department of Environment and Natural Resources will hear the application of Ludo,” he said.
Ludo is presently processing the application for Environmental Compliance Certificate with DENR Central Office in Manila.
In February this year, Ludo Power Corp. revived the proposed 300- megawatt coal-fired power plant after it was rejected by the council in April 2016.
O. Leyson/MBG