Coal Exploration in Lake Sebu Town Sparks Controversy Without Local Consent

Strategic Insights -

South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes has questioned the coal explorations in Lake Sebu town, citing that the Department of Energy (DOE) did not consult local officials and residents before starting the project. The governor expressed concerns that the DOE is not sensitive to the sentiments of the local government units and residents, particularly the T'boli tribal folk in Barangay Ned. She has called for the DOE's attention and plans to pursue an explanation from the agency. The controversy has sparked fears of environmental pollution, as environmental group Greenpeace warned that the area would be exposed to toxic pollution if the coal power plant becomes operational.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded exploration contracts for coal resources in South Cotabato and neighboring areas to companies such as Bonanza Energy Resources, Inc. and MG Mining and Energy Corp.
  • The governor of South Cotabato, Daisy Avance-Fuentes, has expressed opposition to a planned coal-fired power plant in the province and has asked for the DOE's attention regarding the coal exploration in Barangay Ned.
  • The barangay Ned's coal deposits are considered one of the biggest in Mindanao and are adjacent to areas that also have coal deposits.
  • Environmental group Greenpeace has warned that the area would be exposed to toxic pollution if the coal power plant becomes operational, citing studies that showed hazardous emissions from coal-fired power plants contain mercury, arsenic, lead, and chromium.
  • The governor has stated that the provincial government will pursue an explanation from the DOE regarding the coal exploration project.
  • The coal power plant planned in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, is expected to become operational by 2008 and has a capacity of 150-200 megawatts.

Statistics:

  • 150-200 megawatts: Capacity of the coal-fired power plant planned in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat
  • 1: Number of coal operating contract awarded to Bonanza Energy Resources, Inc. for eight blocks of coal areas in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani.
  • 2008: Expected operational date of the coal-fired power plant in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Sources:

  • "PNA" (Philippine News Agency) - No publication date mentioned in the original text.
  • Doe Department of Energy - No publication date mentioned in the original text.
  • Greenpeace - No publication date mentioned in the original text.