DS LGU backs geothermal power plant

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur - The town’s council as well as the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Digos are now studying the plans of Aboitiz Power Corporation to put up a geothermal plant since the project will be established in their area.

Sta. Cruz Mayor Joel Ray Lopez explained that they are only waiting for the council’s resolution to allow Aboitiz to conduct an exploration for the establishment of a geothermal plant.

According to the mayor, geothermal plants are needed to alleviate the energy crisis her in Mindanao.

“Atong nakita nga way dautan ani kay renewable energy man ni siya unya mao ra pod ni sa hydro power, (We see nothing wrong with this since it is renewable energy just like hydro power,)” Lopez said.

According to Lopez, there is nothing to worry about since putting up a geothermal plant is safe for the environment and people since it is a renewable source of energy.

It will also serve as a great help in solving the shortage of electricity supply especially in the province.

They need to conduct exploration to figure out how many hectares they need for the project and how many megawatts it can provide.

Lopez said he sees no reason for members of the Sangguniang Bayang (SB) in their area to complain.

Digos Mayor Joseph Pe¤as said that there is no problem with having more sources of electricity as long as it does not destroy the environment.

Aboitiz needs the support of the local govern- ments of areas where the project will pass through, namely, Sta. Cruz, Digos City, Magpet and North Cotabato, to get the project approved.

It was said that the exploration will take two years before they can begin building the geothermal power plant. ORLANDO B. DINOY