'What choice de we have?

Benitez says coal should only be temporary if Negros resorts to it

FORMER Third District Rep. Alfredo Benitez said that if Negros resorts to coal power plant, “it should be temporary and not a permanent solution.”

Negros should look for an alternative source for its base load power needs or else ‘bite the bullet’, former Benitez who is now consultant for Trade and Investments Promotion of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Saturday.

“Almost all countries are going in the direction of renewable energy to save the planet from climate change,” Benitez said.

There are realities we have to face, he said, “solar cannot be a source of base load power because it cannot generate power during night time.”

If there is geothermal power that would be the best source of renewable energy, he said during the sidelines of the inauguration ceremonies of provincial officials.

Benitez said wind and solar does not qualify as base load, “it is very hard to be dependent on renewable energies alone,” he said.

“If the province is thinking of using coal, other countries have signified that they will move to renewable energy but slowly and not overnight,” he said.

Until we find a solution for base load and stabilize the consistent source of energy that technology of renewable energy should be augmented and complemented with a ‘hybrid solution,’ Benitez pointed out.

I am calling for a power summit to engage stakeholders to understand the realities on the ground we must face, the former congressman also added.

Let us explore alternatives that will answer the base load requirement instead of coal, he said.

Otherwise, “we have to bite the bullet,” he said.

He cited Germany who announced that in the next 20 years they will move 100 percent to renewable energy.

“It’s not because I’m for it, it’s just what choice do we have?” Benitez said.

Meanwhile Mayor Richard Jaojoco of Toboso has issued an Executive Order declaring his municipality as a source of clean and renewable energy and a coal-free municipality.

Jaojoco cited in his Executive Order Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7942 which provides that all mineral resources in the public and private lands within the territory and exclusive economic zone of the Republic of the Philippines are owned by the state. It shall be the responsibility of the state to promote the national exploration, development, utilization and conversion through the combine efforts of the government and the private sector to enhance national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protect the rights of affected communities.

Jaojoco issued Executive Order No. 011, Series of 2019 on June 13, 2019.*